Chelsea transfer news: Kante makes Saudi transfer

In Chelsea transfer news, Fabrizio Romano is reporting N'Golo Kanté (32) is on the verge of signing for Saudi Arabian club Al Ittihad. The final details are currently being discussed. 

As Romano reported on Tuesday, Saudi emissaries were in London today to discuss a move for France international Kanté. It had been expected that the former Leicester City midfielder would extend his deal at Chelsea, and a deal was reportedly close.

The World Cup winner will link up with former Real Madrid talisman Karim Benzema at his new club, who won the league last season. The pair will be competing against Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr for trophies during the 2023-24 campaign.

In other Chelsea transfer news, the player's entourage even told Le Parisien in April that they expected to extend at Chelsea, adding that "he wants to continue his career in London." 

However, Kanté now looks on the verge of a move to Saudi Arabia. As Romano reports he is set to join Al Ittihad on a free transfer, and will join former France international Karim Benzema (35) at the Saudi club. The Olympique Lyonnais academy product joined Al Ittihad earlier today. 

Once the final details are discussed, Kanté will accept the proposal. Al Ittihad directors have now arrived in London to "link up" with the Saudi Private Investment Fund (PIF) delegation to prepare the documents. Kanté will earn €100m per year until 2025.

Kante will depart Stamford Bridge with his status as a Chelsea icon secured. He helped the Blues win the Premier League title in 2017, in what was his maiden season at the club, while also putting in a player-of-the-match performance in the 2021 Champions League final against Manchester City.

In other Chelsea transfer news, Al-Ittihad directors arrived in London on Tuesday night to prepare Kante's new contract in conjunction with representatives from Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund - who recently took control of four leading clubs in the country, including the champions.

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