Football News: Al-Ittihad on the verge of signing Chelsea midfielder N'Golo Kante?

N'Golo Kante is said to have decided to quit Chelsea and join Al-Ittihad on a free transfer.

Throughout the most recent season, there has been significant curiosity about Kante's future since he was sidelined for over six months with a hamstring injury.

Despite the 2018 World Cup winner's protracted absence, Chelsea has made many offers to the France international, with the most recent terms thought to be acceptable to Kante and his representatives.

However, despite early indications of an official announcement in May, no confirmation occurred, resulting in a period of anxiety for both club and player.

Kante is on the verge of agreeing a lucrative deal with Saudi Arabian champions Al-Ittihad, according to transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano on Twitter.

The rumour comes on the same day that the club officially announced the signing of Real Madrid star Karim Benzema.

Kante apparently agreed to a deal for €100 million (£86.05 million) per year and is set to sign a contract until 2025, 12 months less than his compatriot.

Al-Ittihad's directors are alleged to have come to London to compile the appropriate paperwork and finalise the transaction with Kante.

If the transfer is approved, the 32-year-old will end his illustrious tenure with the West Londoners with just nine appearances in 2022-23.

All but two of those appearances came in the final six weeks of the season, before his season was cut short due to a groyne injury.

Nonetheless, Kante will leave Stamford Bridge having provided 13 goals and 16 assists in 269 appearances while also playing a major role in some of the club's most memorable moments.

Kante starred in Chelsea's Premier League title-winning season in 2016-17, and he was awarded man of the match after Chelsea defeated Manchester City in the 2021 Champions League final.

However, Chelsea are losing another midfielder at a time when Mateo Kovacic, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, and Mason Mount are all linked with moves away from Stamford Bridge.

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