Kante holds transfer talks with two clubs as he nears shock Chelsea exit and massive new contract
SAUDI representatives have arrived in London for talks with N’Golo Kante, according to reports.
The Chelsea midfielder is out of contract at the end of this month, with the Blues still keen to extend his deal.
An extension was thought to have been close in March.
But according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Kante is set to be offered £86million to move to the Saudi Pro League.
Al-Ittihad, who are on the cusp of signing Karim Benzema, are one of the sides keen on signing Kante.
While Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr are also keen.
Kante’s £86m package would include his salary, image rights and commercial deals.
Kante joined Chelsea in a £30million transfer from Leicester in 2016 and has since made 269 appearances for the West London club.
However, he was limited to just nine outings this season due to a severe hamstring injury.
Chelsea had hoped to keep Kante on board by offering him a two-year contract extension, but the 32-year-old now looks set to leave Stamford Bridge on a permanent basis.
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Should he join Al-Ittihad, Kante Could link up with former France team-mate Benzema.
Real Madrid announced Benzema’s departure from the club on Sunday morning.
An official statement read: “Real Madrid CF and our captain Karim Benzema have agreed to end his brilliant and unforgettable period as a player for our club.
“Real Madrid wants to show its gratitude and all its affection for who is already one of our greatest legends.”
Benzema, who has been a fan favourite at the Santiago Bernabeu for the last 14 years, reportedly agreed contract terms with Al-Ittihad this week.
The Saudi side are also attempting to sign Wolves winger Adama Traore.
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