Ambassadors of Saudi Arabia have now travelled to London as they attempt to lure N’Golo Kante away from Chelsea.
That is according to Fabrizio Romano.
If talks are successful, then Chelsea fans may have already seen the last of N’Golo Kante…
What’s the story?
Well, the £32m man’s contract expires at the end of June, and he is yet to sign fresh terms at Stamford Bridge.
Romano believes Kante’s priority was always to stay at Chelsea, and a new contract was close to being finalised in March.
Now – however – Saudi emissaries are in London to present an obscene financial offer to the France international.
Romano states that Al Ittihad and Al Nassr are fighting to sign Kante, who could end up receiving a salary of €100m (£86m) if he agrees a move to the Saudi Pro League.
In our view, the fact that Saudi ambassadors have already made the trip to London suggests they have received encouragement over a deal, or else they may not have bothered making the journey.
Kante endured a difficult 2022/23 campaign at Chelsea, making just nine appearances in all competitions as a hamstring injury sidelined him for most of the season.
Kante exit makes sense for Chelsea
While Kante is a fan favourite and also a hugely effective player when fit, it is probably for the best that he and Chelsea part ways.
The Frenchman turns 33 next year, and it would therefore be a risk to offer him a new contract, especially as his fitness issues mean he may not be available too often for Mauricio Pochettino.
Kante’s £290,000-a-week wages are huge for someone who can’t be relied on as a regular starter, so we feel it would make sense for him to leave west London, and Chelsea reinvest his salary into a younger replacement.
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