The 32-year-old has been reduced to a bit-part role this season with injuries limiting the two-time Premier League winner to five appearances in all competitions.
Indeed, Kante’s prolonged absence was cited as a major reason behind the downfall of recently axed former manager Graham Potter who was able to select the former Leicester City star on just once occasion during his torrid seven-month reign.
Kante is a free agent in the summer and although the indication is that he is on the verge of a signing a new deal, the France international retains a number of suitors including Arsenal who are reported to have made an enquiry.
With Chelsea’s dressing room lacking in the leadership department, however, Malouda believes it is imperative that his compatriot is retained whoever ends up taking over permanently from Potter.
‘I believe that they (Mount and Kante) are part of the DNA of the club, they’ve been there for a long time and have been very successful.
‘Mason Mount is from the academy and loves the club. Two years left on his contract is not a big deal for me, because the main thing for the club will be the players performance level and he always gives everything in a Chelsea shirt.
‘Take the example of Mbappe. He was out of contract at PSG last summer and he renewed his contract. If you want to stay somewhere, financially it is not an issue, it is more about the project and your role within that.’
Kante stepped up his comeback last night, meanwhile, playing 75 minutes as Chelsea laboured to a 2-0 defeat against Real Madrid in the first leg of their quarter-final.
Asked if Chelsea could turn the tie around next week at Stamford Bridge, interim manager Frank Lampard replied: ‘If you don’t believe at the top level of sport… things will go your way, that’s a percentage of the game, the mindset and believe. The fans will come and support us. We’re realistic.
‘We’re 2-0 down against Real Madrid, that’s fact now, that’s done. I’ve been involved in games that change. We’re in a different place now and maybe that’s a good thing.
‘We’re in a place where we want to prove things wrong, change the tone, change the story.
‘We went tonight with ten-men against Real Madrid, it’s a difficult night for the lads.’
MORE : ‘Who wants to go to Chelsea? – Joe Cole sends warning to Blues over striker plans this summer
MORE : Chelsea star N’Golo Kante’s entourage reveal Arsenal have made contact over transfer
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