Mercato: Kanté with Benzema in Saudi Arabia, it's getting hot!
Like Karim Benzema, N'Golo Kanté is on the verge of accepting a huge offer from Saudi club Al-Ittihad.
Just crowned Saudi Arabian champions, Al-Ittihad made official this Tuesday the signing of <a href=/news/official-karim-benzema-signs-for-al-ittihad>Karim Benzema until June 2026. The legendary Real Madrid striker will earn the modest sum of €200 million net per year at his new club coached by Portuguese Nuno Espirito Santo.
Kanté to earn €100m/year in Saudi Arabia
This Tuesday evening, Fabrizio Romano reports that N'Golo Kanté (32) is also set to sign for Al-Ittihad, who are offering him €100m net per year and a contract until June 2025. The French international is free on June 30 and also has an extension offer from Chelsea, albeit considerably lower than the Saudi offer.
N’Golo Kanté is on the verge of joining Al Ittihad on free transfer! Final details are being discussed then proposal will be accepted 🚨🟡⚫️🇸🇦 CFC
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 6, 2023
Al Ittihad directors just arrived in London to link up with PIF Saudi delegation to prepare documents.
€100m per year until 2025. pic.twitter.com/el7VDaiaq5
According to journalist Ben Jacobs, Kanté was "blown away" by the Saudi offer and is well on the way to accepting it. The deal should be completed within 48 hours.
For its part, L' Equipe remains more cautious, stating this evening that Kanté has not yet reached an agreement with the Saudi club and has not ruled out the idea of extending his stay at Chelsea.