Claudio Ranieri insists Leicester will survive next season despite N'Golo Kante's summer transfer to Chelsea.

Kante, 25, was inspirational in midfield as Leicester earned a stunning Premier League title triumph last term.

Despite the unexpected success, the France international has turned down the chance of Champions League football with the Foxes to sign for Chelsea.

While many expect Leicester to struggle without Kante, Italian coach Ranieri is confident his side will cope without the midfield enforcer for their title defence.

"Last season we lost Esteban Cambiasso and everybody was crying," said the Leicester boss.

"Now we are crying because we lost Kante. Don't worry. Football in Leicester will keep going."

Chelsea moved quickly to secure Kante's signature following the conclusion of Euro 2016, with the Frenchman hailing Antonio Conte as a crucial factor in his decision to move to Stamford Bridge.

Kurt Zouma has backed the midfielder to improve Chelsea's team ahead of the new season, saying: "Kante will bring a lot to the team.

"We saw him in the Premier League last season with Leicester and he was unbelievable.

"He runs all over the pitch, makes lots of tackles and interceptions and he’s very effective with and without the ball.

"The midfield area, like the attack, is full of competition and that’s really good for the whole team."

Ranieri, meanwhile, is determined to keep hold of Riyad Mahrez amid reports of interest from both Chelsea and Arsenal.

"Did you see how Riyad is happy? He played so well, worked so hard for the team, he scored a goal and he stays with us," Ranieri said.

"It is very important [to keep him] he is one of our stars."

Transfer gossip - July 24 5 show all Transfer gossip - July 24 1/5 Arsenal are preparing a £75million double swoop for Riyad Mahrez and Alexandre Lacazette.



Sunday Mirror are preparing a £75million double swoop forand (LINDSEY PARNABY/AFP/Getty Images) 2/5 Manchester United are closing in on a world record £110million deal for Paul Pogba. The club hope to finalise the deal this week after Pogba's club Juventus agreed to pay Napoli £78million for Gonzalo Higuain.



Daily Mail are closing in on a world record £110million deal for. The club hope to finalise the deal this week after Pogba's club Juventus agreed to pay Napoli £78million for Gonzalo Higuain. 3/5 Chelsea have turned their attention to Stefan de Vrij after failing to complete a deal for Kalidou Koulibaly.



Sunday People have turned their attention toafter failing to complete a deal for Kalidou Koulibaly. Getty 4/5 Romelu Lukaku has told close friends he wants a return to Chelsea. The Blues have turned attention back to the Belgium international after seeing two bids knocked back for Alvaro Morata.



The Sun has told close friends he wants a return to. The Blues have turned attention back to the Belgium international after seeing two bids knocked back for Alvaro Morata. EMMANUEL DUNAND/AFP/Getty Images 5/5 West Ham have slapped an £18million price tag on teenager Reece Oxford amid interest from Manchester United and Manchester City.



Daily Mail have slapped an £18million price tag on teenageramid interest from Manchester United and Manchester City. Arfa Griffiths/West Ham United via Getty Images 1/5 Arsenal are preparing a £75million double swoop for Riyad Mahrez and Alexandre Lacazette.



Sunday Mirror are preparing a £75million double swoop forand (LINDSEY PARNABY/AFP/Getty Images) 2/5 Manchester United are closing in on a world record £110million deal for Paul Pogba. The club hope to finalise the deal this week after Pogba's club Juventus agreed to pay Napoli £78million for Gonzalo Higuain.



Daily Mail are closing in on a world record £110million deal for. The club hope to finalise the deal this week after Pogba's club Juventus agreed to pay Napoli £78million for Gonzalo Higuain. 3/5 Chelsea have turned their attention to Stefan de Vrij after failing to complete a deal for Kalidou Koulibaly.



Sunday People have turned their attention toafter failing to complete a deal for Kalidou Koulibaly. Getty 4/5 Romelu Lukaku has told close friends he wants a return to Chelsea. The Blues have turned attention back to the Belgium international after seeing two bids knocked back for Alvaro Morata.



The Sun has told close friends he wants a return to. The Blues have turned attention back to the Belgium international after seeing two bids knocked back for Alvaro Morata. EMMANUEL DUNAND/AFP/Getty Images 5/5 West Ham have slapped an £18million price tag on teenager Reece Oxford amid interest from Manchester United and Manchester City.



Daily Mail have slapped an £18million price tag on teenageramid interest from Manchester United and Manchester City. Arfa Griffiths/West Ham United via Getty Images

"Other teams maybe have more stars and maybe he doesn't play at the same level, because maybe is on the bench so it is much better he stays with me.

"Maybe some newspapers tomorrow will say £100m. Good, keep going," he joked.

"It's only speculation."