Arsenal Transfer News: Latest Rumours, Major Signings Targeted Ahead of Summer

Reported Arsenal target N'Golo Kante has dealt a blow to suitors hoping to prise him away from Leicester City this summer, as he has said he is happy with the Foxes for the time being.

According to French outlet L'Equipe (h/t the Daily Star's Lewis Winter), Kante—whom Gunners boss Arsene Wenger "is known to be a fan of"—said he is not listening to speculation linking him with a move away from the King Power Stadium.

"For now, I am happy at Leicester," he said. "I do not pay too much attention to everything that is said. For now, I am in Leicester and I focus on the Euros."

The Frenchman had a sensational season for the Foxes and played a key role in their incredible title win thanks to his boundless energy in midfield and exceptional ability to regain possession for his team, per Squawka Football:

For too long Arsenal have needed a player of Kante's mould in midfield—they've never lacked for creativity or technical quality, but a tireless worker who can break up the opposition's play and protect the back four has been missing for some time.

However, the Gunners have just signed Granit Xhaka and brought in Mohamed Elneny in January, while Francis Coquelin has emerged as a viable enforcer in the last two seasons, so Arsenal are now seemingly well-stocked with holding midfielders.

The Mirror's John Cross gave insight into Arsenal's decision to sign Xhaka ahead of Kante, though former Leicester striker Gary Lineker believes the latter would have been a better capture:

Kante's work rate and ball-winning skills are superior to Xhaka's, while the Switzerland international offers a better range of passing and technique.

The 25-year-old looks to be staying put anyway, but even if he were angling for a move, it seems highly unlikely Wenger would pursue him given the players now available to him.

BEN STANSALL/Getty Images

Further back, the Frenchman may well look to add to his defence, and according to the Guardian's Nick Ames, he is "said to have made contact with Chelsea about signing" Kurt Zouma.

The defender was enjoying a strong season for the Blues before suffering a serious injury in February, per Bleacher Report UK's Sam Tighe:

ESPN FC's Liam Twomey ran the rule over the powerful and pacey centre-back prior to the injury:

Indeed, while the 21-year-old still has room for improvement—as most young defenders do—he has great potential and could become a key performer in the future.

Though John Terry will now be staying at Stamford Bridge, it seems unlikely Antonio Conte would allow one of his other defenders—particularly a young prospect like Zouma—to leave, let alone to a rival.