Arsene Wenger has revealed his admiration for N’Golo Kante and admits he tried to sign the Frenchman twice.
Kante has had an incredibly positive impact since joining league leaders Chelsea, with many sighting him as one of the main reasons they have improved after a poor performance last campaign.
Kante has played a key role in Chelsea’s rise to the top of the table this season and appears well placed to collect a second Premier League medal in May.
And Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has revealed how he attempted to sign the Frenchman twice, when he played for French club Caen, and again at Leicester.
“I tried to sign Kante when he was in France and when he was at Leicester.
“We cannot explain everything – transfers are transfers – but it is quite obvious when you look at where he has gone.
“I believe Kante has had a huge impact. It’s no coincidence Chelsea are where they are and Leicester did what they did last season.”
Earlier this season Arsenal beat the Blues 3-0 at the Emirates and, looking back on that match, Wenger added: “Maybe for them it was a little bit of a wake-up call.
“(Antonio) Conte (Chelsea manager) managed to change things.”
There is no doubt of the impact Kante has had since joining Chelsea, and he will likely be a key player when Chelsea take on title rivals Arsenal on Saturday, with the Gunners hoping to put a dent in the title hopes of their London rivals.
Arsene Wenger’s side are still hurting from a poor result at the Emirates, a 2-1 loss to Watford send them into this big clash with somewhat damaged confidence, and with N’golo Kante in midfield for Chelsea, the Arsenal midfielders will have their work cut out for them if they are to influence the game in favour of Wenger’s side.
