Cristiano Ronaldo link-up distinct possibility for Chelsea star as Blues talks remain fruitless
Fabrizio Romano has reported the situation regarding the future of N’Golo Kante ‘remains open’ but Chelsea talks are ‘not advancing’ and two Saudi Arabian sides want him.
Kante has long been one of the Blues’ most important assets. He showed his influence immediately after joining from Leicester City in 2016, following up a Premier League triumph with the Foxes by winning the same trophy in his first season at Stamford Bridge.
He remained a pillar of the Chelsea side for the next few seasons.
Of late, he’s struggled for game time due to injuries. Indeed, he managed just seven league games this campaign, with a hamstring injury keeping him sidelined for months before two more knocks also hindered his playing time.
Multiple periods of Kante’s career have been slowed due to injuries. However, when he is available for the Blues, he remains an important asset.
But with his contract ticking down, he might not be so for very much longer. Indeed, while Kante confirmed recently he wants to “be part of Chelsea future,” he might not get his wish.
It looked as if things were heading that way a few months ago. Indeed, it was reported in March that the Blues had offered the long-serving midfielder a two-year extension, and the suggestion was that he was set to sign that contract.
However, there’s been no sign of the deal being agreed yet, and his contract runs out this summer.
Kante wanted by Saudi pair; Blues talks stalling
Transfer insider Romano has since suggested talks are now failing to bear fruit. Indeed, he reports negotiations are ‘not advancing to final stages’ but has touched on the fact the full agreement was close in March.
This follows recent reports that Chelsea had scheduled ‘urgent talks’ after Kante received an offer from a Saudi Arabian club.
Romano has also detailed the interest from Saudi sides in the Frenchman, though not that there’s been offer.
The Italian insider states his understanding is that Al Ittihad and Al Nassr are the two clubs who are ‘ready to tempt Kante’ into a new experience.
Unclear if Kante would accept move
It’s unclear at this point whether or not Kante would accept an offer to move on from Chelsea. Of course, he recently stated he wanted to remain at Stamford Bridge.
While it’s not certain, that could suggest the failings in coming to an agreement come from the Blues’ side.
In any case, a move to Saudi Arabia could be an attractive one. Firstly, the country is widely regarded as a very profitable place to play football.
What’s more, the chance to link up with Cristiano Ronaldo is one not a lot of players would pass up. Indeed, the former Manchester United star plays for Al Nassr.
Ronaldo was the fifth-highest goalscorer in the Saudi Pro League this season, bagging 14 goals in 16 games and showing he’s still a very impactful player.
Al Nassr finished second in the league, too. As such, it might be a good time to join them and get to experience playing alongside one of the world’s best ever players.
