Chelsea: N’Golo Kante to receive huge ‘official Saudi proposal’ as Ronaldo, Benzema await arrival | OneFootball

Chelsea midfielder N’Golo Kante is set to receive an ‘official proposal’ to move to the Saudi Pro League, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Kante is out of contract later this month and talks over a new Chelsea deal have once again stalled after an agreement previously appeared to be edging closer.

Speaking last month, the French international emphasised his desire to stay at Stamford Bridge.

Asked if he wants to be a part of the club’s new era under Mauricio Pochettino, Kante replied: “Yeah for sure.

“It’s an exciting project for the club. Unfortunately the season has not been a standout for Chelsea. I’m sure everyone wants to go this way; the way of success, the way of winning titles. I hope this club will fight again in this direction.

“Let’s see where I will be but I hope that this is a change for the club, that is most important.”

A report from The Telegraph actually claimed that Pochettino and Kante are very eager to work together, but a summer exit now seems very likely.

There has been lots of interest coming from Saudi Arabia, with the country’s biggest clubs all lining up to sign the French superstar.

According to Fabrizio Romano, ‘Saudi emissaries’ are currently in London to make an ‘official proposal to Kante’.

Including image rights and commercial deals, the experienced midfielder’s salary could be as high as €100m per year with Al Nassr and Al Ittihad ‘on it’.

Romano adds that a new Chelsea contract was ‘close in March’ with Kante always ‘prioritising’ an extension.

Kante could join former France teammate Karim Benzema at Al Ittihad. The Ballon d’Or holder is reportedly close to penning a three-year deal with the middle eastern club.

This summer could be absolutely ginormous for Saudi Arabian football, with lofty ambitions being set out after the January signing of Cristiano Ronaldo, who plays for Al Nassr.

Barcelona legend Lionel Messi is being linked with a move following the expiry of his Paris Saint-Germain contract.

Saudi Arabia is hoping to host the 2030 World Cup and is obviously looking to boost their bid by bringing in several household names.

Benzema’s prospective salary could reach €200m with a statement from Al Ittihad expected to come ‘very soon’, Romano claims.

“It really hurts… it’s not easy, I really wanted to retire here but sometimes directions change,” Benzema told the Real Madrid fans on Tuesday.

“I’ll always be watching Madrid games and I will always support Real Madrid, the best club in the world.”