Kante, 31, has 12 months left on his current deal at Stamford Bridge but has suffered an increasing number of injury setbacks over the last year.
Manchester United were considering a move for the France international with the Blues said to be willing to cash in. Recent reports however claim Arsenal are now prepared to make a shock move for the former Leicester City star.
Kante’s departure would leave a hole in the middle of the park but according to Seville-based Estadio Deportivo, Chelsea view Argentina international Rodriguez as a possible long-term replacement.
The report claims Chelsea are ‘well positioned’ to make a move for the 28-year-old midfielder should Kante move on this summer.
Chelsea are determined to make a number of signings this summer with defence an area in need of urgent reinforcements following the departures of Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen, with Marcos Alonso and Cesar Azpilicueta also tipped to leave.
The Blues are in talks to sign Nathan Ake from Manchester City with Matthijs de Ligt, Jules Kounde and Dayot Upamercano also linked with moves.
Chelsea are thought to be close to sealing a move for Raheem Sterling with Thomas Tuchel eager for more new faces in attack.
The London side have been offered Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo by his agent Jorge Mendes but the Blues boss is not convinced the veteran striker is the right option.
MORE : Thomas Tuchel makes decision over Neymar transfer after Chelsea get offered Paris Saint-Germain forward
MORE : Thomas Tuchel responds to Chelsea fan asking to sign Cristiano Ronaldo
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