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The transfer window brings with it the usual rumor mill - outlandish claims and crazy reporting as to which of the world's greatest super-stars could be making big-money moves, and this season has been no different.
One of the more surprising suggestions, however, which would particularly worry Chelsea fans, is that midfield maestro and 2-time Premier League winner N'golo Kante could soon depart the west London club.
French champions Paris-Saint Germain have been touted as a likely destination, with newly appointed coach Thomas Tuchel particularly keen to recruit a solid defensive midfielder.
Kante has been a revelation in England, with the 'PFA Player of the Year 2017' being one of the key components of Leicester and Chelsea's successful Premier League campaigns in 2015 and 2016.
Although diminutive in size, Kante is an absolute giant in stature on the pitch, known well for his energy and excellent ball-winning abilities as a box-to-box midfielder, as well as his positional sense, athleticism, intelligence, versatility, and ability to read the game.
Despite Stamford Bridge chiefs unlikely to sanction a move, a season without Champions League football coupled with a massive offer from PSG could, in a shocking turn of events, see everybody's favorite player leave England.
In such a case, and without further ado, let us take a look at 3 players who could fill in the massive void that would be left as a result:
#3 Arturo Vidal
Vidal has been one of the world's most consistent defensive midfielders for quite a while now, having been an integral part of both Juventus and Bayern Munich's title-winning teams. He has had yet another impressive campaign with Munich, scoring 6 goals and assisting twice.
At 31 years of age, Vidal's next transfer could be his final major club in Europe and Chelsea would be the perfect destination for him to showcase his wide array of skills. His tremendous experience will come in handy for Chelsea if they are to replace Kante.
Nicknamed "The Warrior' for his hard-tackling and aggressive, tenacious style of play, the Chilean is a complete midfielder, known for his marking, positional sense, tackling, and anticipation, attributes which allow him to be effective at intercepting passes, winning back possession, and subsequently starting an attack.
Leon Goretzka's move to Bavaria is likely to see the Chilean deemed surplus to requirement, and Chelsea could come calling. Already linked with the London club during January, Vidal has always been keen on a reunion with Conte. Although Sarri is back as favorite to replace Conte, the combative midfielder is widely admired and could prove to be a very smart buy.
#2 Jean Michael Seri
Robust and dynamic with an eye for goal, Seri has been on the radar of Europe's top clubs for quite a while now, following his exploits with Nice. In three seasons, the defensive minded Ivorian has scored a handy 12 goals with 20 assists to his name.
I’m not used to seeing such a talent in midfield. Short passing, long passing, tactical intelligence, distance shooting, personality, organizing play, that last magic pass ... 'madre mia!' He would do very well at Barca! He can play anywhere in the middle. Seri is fantastic. I can say, without hesitation, that he has what we call Barca DNA." - Xavi on Seri.
Aptly nicknamed 'the African Xavi,' Seri's performances have led to great interest from Roma, Barcelona, City and Arsenal, but it is Chelsea who are front-runners in the race for the Ivorian's signature.
As stated by Xavi himself, the midfielder' unique vision and passing ability would greatly aid Chelsea, as it would take some pressure off of Fabregas in the middle of the park. If Kante does depart, Seri may be Chelsea's best bet at a like-for-like replacement. Hardworking and consistent, the Ivorian could finally be the man to solve Chelsea's midfield problems.
#1 Sergej Milinkovic-Savic
One of the hottest topics of discussion going into this World Cup has been, the future of Lazio's midfield star Milinkovic-Savic.
The Serb stands at a staggering 6 feet 3 inches and is a member of a new breed of midfielders who can dominate in the air, whilst gliding across the pitch with grace and impeccable ball control. His aggressive nature and confidence in possession leave little room to doubt his ability to successfully fulfill any positional requirements his manager asks of him.
The 22-year-old possesses the brute strength to ensure he is not easily pushed off the ball, but he is more than just a work-horse as he has incredible vision and passing range, which would see him settle into the Premier League with relative ease.
Although the midfielder is believed to be content at Lazio, with Real Madrid also interested, Chelsea should pursue the Serb as a genuine transfer target. Equally capable in defense and offense, Sergej is the perfect prototype of a midfielder, and would undoubtedly be a huge hit at the Bridge.
