Express. Home of the Daily and Sunday Express.
Arsenal news: Arsene Wenger makes surprise Chelsea claim at World Cup
ARSENE WENGER reserved special praise for Chelsea star N’Golo Kante at the World Cup.
N’Golo Kante reveals who he wants to play against in World Cup
France are among the favourites to win the World Cup in Russia, although they laboured to a 2-1 victory over Australia in their opening group game on Saturday.
Kante was one of the few positives for Les Bleus as he impressed with his energy in the middle of the park.
And former Arsenal boss Wenger lauded Kante for his display and has rated him as one of the best ever in his position in the game.
He said: “He is one of the most influential midfielders I’ve seen play football.
He is one of the most influential midfielders I’ve seen play football
“He constantly makes simple decisions and never overcomplicates it.”
Wenger also admitted he tried to sign the diminutive midfielder after his title-winning heroics with Leicester.
He added: “Have I looked to sign Kanté? Yes. When he was in France and when he was at Leicester.
“I cannot explain everything [about why he preferred Chelsea] but it is quite obvious when you look at where he has gone.
“Was it the money? I do not want to talk about that.
“Transfers are transfers – you cannot explain absolutely everything.”