Arsenal aren’t considering a move for N’Golo Kante despite reports that he’s been offered to the Gunners as his contract runs down.

France's midfielder N'Golo Kante poses ahead of the UEFA Euro 2020 Group H qualification football match between France and Iceland at the Stade de France stadium in Saint-Denis, north of Paris, on March 25, 2019. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE / AFP)
France’s midfielder N’Golo Kante poses ahead of the UEFA Euro 2020 Group H qualification football match between France and Iceland at the Stade de France stadium in Saint-Denis, north of Paris, on March 25, 2019. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE / AFP)

French outlet Foot Mercato (via GFFN) sparked rumours of an Arsenal move for Chelsea’s N’Golo Kante this week, reporting that the Blues have no intention of extending the midfielder’s contract, and he’s been offered out to the Gunners so he can stay in London.

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly another option as Kante’s agents search for a new club.

Yet Ben Jacobs of CBS Sports reports that Arsenal aren’t currently an option for Kante. Jacobs insists Mikel Arteta’s team didn’t consider Kante over the summer, and he isn’t on their radar now.

It certainly feels like we’re now past the stage of taking Chelsea cast-offs.

As highly rated as Kante has been at his best, his recent injury record and high wages explain why Chelsea aren’t willing to give him a new deal in the first place.

According to Transfermarkt, Kante has had 13 injuries since the start of 2020, ruling him out for well over 300 days.

At 31 (32 by the time his contract expires), it’s unlikely Kante will shake off those injury problems to be worth the financial investment. He’d have to cut his wages significantly to justify the risk.

Arsenal's Portuguese midfielder Fabio Vieira (2nd L) celebrates with teammates after scoring his team's third goal during the UEFA Europa League Group A football match between Arsenal and Bodoe/Glimt at The Arsenal Stadium in London, on October 6, 2022. (Photo by DANIEL LEAL/AFP via Getty Images)
Arsenal’s Portuguese midfielder Fabio Vieira (2nd L) celebrates with teammates after scoring his team’s third goal during the UEFA Europa League Group A football match between Arsenal and Bodoe/Glimt at The Arsenal Stadium in London, on October 6, 2022. (Photo by DANIEL LEAL/AFP via Getty Images)

Whilst Arsenal could probably do with adding another more defensively-minded midfielder, and they’ve been linked with Kante plenty of times in the past, they’re likely to focus on a long-term addition.

Defensive midfield is Arsenal’s oldest area of the pitch – three of their four current options will be in their thirties by next summer.

Albert Sambi Lokonga is the one exception, and he may well end up playing more of an advanced role.

Cedric Soares is the only other player in the squad over 30, so if there’s one area where Arsenal probably won’t be looking to add a 32-year-old, it’s midfield.