Emmanuel Petit: Kante Should Be Back Playing In Europe

Former Chelsea midfielder Emmanuel Petit has shared his thoughts on Chelsea’s transfer business in an exclusive interview with Gambling.com.

The Blues, now managed by former Leicester City boss Enzo Maresca, have already brought in Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Marc Guiu, Omari Kellyman and Tosin Adarabioyo.

Petit's former club have also been linked with several other players ahead of the new season, including their ex-midfielder N’Golo Kante, who left Stamford Bridge to play in Saudi Arabia last summer. 

Chelsea are the favourites with the best betting sites to sign the Frenchman, who won the Premier League title with Leicester and Chelsea in back-to-back seasons.

Kante has impressed at the European Championship and Petit believes he still has something to offer at the highest level, with a number of clubs interested in signing the midfielder.

“I was surprised and a bit sad when he left Europe and the national team,” he said. “Everyone loves him as a player and as a person but I think he left to go to Saudi because of the money. 

“He isn’t young anymore even though he can still contribute a lot on the pitch so he needed to think of himself first, which he doesn’t usually do.  

“I’m not surprised at the clubs looking to bring him back to Europe. If they can afford to give the same money that could be something he looks at but I’m not sure that is the case.”

Another player who has impressed at the tournament in Germany is Marc Guehi, who started England's first four games before picking up a second yellow card to rule him out of their quarter-final with Switzerland.

Guehi had little international experience before the competition, but he deputised extremely well for the injured Harry Maguire.

The Crystal Palace defender is being linked with a return to Chelsea, for whom he made two first-team appearances after coming through the club’s academy.

But while Petit says he admires Guehi, he feels the Blues should focus on improving the players already in their squad instead.

“Another central defender? How many players do they have at Chelsea? That was the main problem for (Mauricio) Pochettino,” Petit said.

“He (Pochettino) still managed to improve the team individually and collectively towards the end and I think it was a mistake to show him the exit. He should have been given time to prepare the team for the next season. 

“I don’t really get it (regarding the need for another defender). Guehi is a very decent player but I would just try and improve the players already in the squad.” 

As well as bringing in fresh blood to the squad, Maresca will be looking to improve some of the players he has inherited.

Christopher Nkunku was only a bit-part player last term due to injury, but he could become a key player for Chelsea.

And Petit believes his fellow Frenchman could help the west Londoners be more productive in attack.

“I think he can be the link between the midfield and the strikers,” Petit said. “He has very good movement, is very intelligent and is always trying to find the links with his team-mates on the pitch. 

“He missed most of the season because of injuries which made it difficult for Pochettino to manage his team. If he can avoid injury and play regular football I think the Chelsea fans will soon see his quality.” 

Chelsea will begin the new Premier League campaign against the defending champions Manchester City on August 18.

According to betting apps, Maresca’s team are the fourth-favourites for the title at a best price of 20/1.