Chelsea boss Frank Lampard has dismissed speculation linking midfielder N'Golo Kante with a move away from Stamford Bridge.
While Kante has emerged as a key player for the Blues since his arrival in 2016, the World Cup winner struggled with injury during the last campaign.
That has led to suggestions that Chelsea may offload the France international, potentially to Inter Milan, who are managed by former boss Antonio Conte.
However, Lampard has said that the 29-year-old will be remaining in West London, adding that he appears fully prepared for the upcoming campaign.
Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live, Lampard said: "I think pretty much every club in the world would want N'Golo Kante. I saw those reports as well.
"He's an incredible player and I certainly don't want to lose him, no. He's fundamental to what I'm trying to do. We can obviously talk about the attacking players we have but someone like N'Golo and the work he does in midfield.
"It was a difficult year for him last year because of the injuries. He came into the season with an injury and it was a domino effect through the year which he hasn't had and was probably the culmination of game, game, game for himself so I'm really excited to have him fit.
"He looks fit and fresh at the moment so, no, he's a big deal to me and of course I want to keep N'Golo."
Kante is expected to feature in the starting lineup when Chelsea begin their Premier League campaign with a fixture at Brighton & Hove Albion on Monday evening.
Darren Plant
