Chelsea’s rival club begin talks to bring N’Golo Kante back to Premier League in £20 million deal from Saudi Arabia: Reports

Chelsea's Premier League rivals West Ham United reportedly wish to bring N'Golo Kante back to the English top flight this summer. The France international completed a free transfer from Stamford Bridge to Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad last summer.

However, his performances at Euro 2024 have proved that the midfielder can still compete at the top level. Hence, The Guardian is now saying that there are negotiations ongoing between the Hammers and the 33-year-old's current employers over a possible move.

Kante is contracted with Al-Ittihad till the summer of 2026, and a sum of around £20 million would be sufficient to complete a deal. Bringing in a defensive midfielder is seen as a top priority for West Ham after Manchester City loanee Kalvin Phillips failed to live up to expectations last campaign.

Kante is an experienced player and is well aware of the pace of the Premier League, having spent a year at Leicester and six at Chelsea. While with the Blues, the Frenchman made 269 appearances across competitions, bagging 13 goals and 16 assists.

He won the English top flight once each with Chelsea and Leicester City and also has a UEFA Champions League winners' medal, among other honors. West Ham United will be looking to finish within the European places next season, and such a challenge may draw the player towards the move.

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Craig Burley puts Manchester City star over former Chelsea midfielder N'Golo Kante

ESPN pundit Craig Burley was asked to pick between Manchester City midfielder Rodri and former Chelsea man N'Golo Kante during a segment of start, bench, or drop.

While admitting that the former Leicester man was a top player, he sided with the Spain international, who recently won Euro 2024. Burley told ESPN (via Manchester City News):

"I think N'Golo Kante is a great player but I do think at this moment in time, Rodri is not only Manchester City's best player but he is Spain's best player."

In the segment, Kante was dropped by Burley while he benched Rodri and decided to start former Barcelona star Sergio Busquets.

Rodri has made 257 appearances across competitions for the side, bagging 26 goals and 30 assists. The Spaniard was also named the Player of the Tournament at Euro 2024. He bagged a goal in six matches and was hugely influential in the middle of the park.