N'Golo Kante linked with Saudi move as Chelsea contract talks drag on

France midfielder N'Golo Kante is reportedly being lined up by Saudi Pro League champions Al-Ittihad with his contract at Chelsea due to expire at the end of the season.

The Saudi Pro League has already attracted the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, who plays for Al-Nasr, while Karim Benzema is set to join Al-Ittihad after leaving for Real Madrid after 14 years and could have Kante as his teammate.

Kante's contract expires at the end of the month and when asked if he wants to remain at the Blues, the 32-year-old said: "For sure. It's an exciting project for the club," in reference to the massive investment made by new owner Todd Boehly.

"Unfortunately this season hasn't been to Chelsea's standards. But everyone wants to go in this way, the way of success and winning titles.

"I hope this club will again fight 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."

The former Leicester City midfielder had an injury-plagued season making just nine appearances before having surgery on his knee and says he is making good progress in getting back to full match fitness.

"It was the purpose of the surgery, to come back strong," said the diminutive workhorse.

"At the moment I feel good, hopefully it'll carry on like this. For the last weeks I've been playing I've felt very good.

"Hopefully I can carry on for the rest of the season and hopefully the most difficult part is behind me, and I'm able to forget it - enjoying football again and wins again. Hopefully more success [too]."

Kante had previously been linked with the likes of Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester United, Real Madrid, Barcelona and even Arsenal.

It is reported that the Blues are offering Kante €290k a week but the far larger sum expected to be offered by the Al-Ittihad could sway his decision.

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