N’Golo Kante is ‘open’ to returning to the Premier League after West Ham launched a shock move for the former Chelsea midfielder.
Kante has spent the last 12 months at Saudi Pro League club Al-Ittihad after ending his seven-year association with Chelsea last summer.
The 33-year-old signed for Chelsea in 2016 after starring in Leicester City’s remarkable Premier League win and enjoyed more success at Stamford Bridge, lifting another league title, the FA Cup, the Europa League and the Champions League during his spell in west London.
Kante secured a lucrative move to Saudi Arabia this time last year but is already interested in returning to the Premier League, according to The Guardian.
West Ham have opened talks to sign the 33-year-old and while he is happy at Al-Ittihad, he is refusing to rule out the possibility of a return to the English capital.
The Hammers, who appointed Julen Lopetegui as David Moyes’ replacement at the end of last season, would have to pay Al-Ittihad around £20m to secure Kante’s signature.
While there is often concern over standards of player’s who have spent time in the Saudi league, Kante proved his form and fitness at Euro 2024, helping France reach the semi-finals before their narrow defeat to eventual winners Spain.
West Ham are keen to sign a new defensive midfielder this summer after Kalvin Philipps’ underwhelming loan spell at the club last season.
Lopetegui, 57, is a known admirer of Kante and considered signing him during his brief time in charge of Real Madrid.
West Ham have made three signings so far this summer, adding Max Kilman, Luis Guilherme and Wes Foderingham to a squad that finished ninth in the Premier League last term.
Kante opened the door to a potential summer move during Euro 2024 and credited Chelsea for helping him develop as a player.
Asked if his career in Europe was over, Kante said at a press conference: ‘No, it’s not over. I appreciate the feedback. In Saudi Arabia, it’s new football, a new experience.
‘Finding these feelings again with the French team is beautiful, it touches me, we want to do well.
‘But that’s not a question I’m asking myself today.’
Kante added: ‘I feel good, last season went well with Al-Ittihad in Arabia, we had a good preparation with the French team.
‘At the moment I feel good, I hope this continues. In any case, there are the players needed to replace me if ever there is a problem, but I want to continue, to give the maximum.’
Chelsea, meanwhile, have been slammed for their ‘shameful’ decision to sell World Cup winner Kante.
‘I’m frustrated as a former Chelsea player,’ Frank Leboeuf told BoyleSports. ‘I still follow all my former clubs and especially Chelsea, as something special happened with me and the fans there when I was at the club.
‘My frustration is now turning to anger. Chelsea change coaches but they are not thinking differently.
‘I try to stay neutral – even when Chelsea play Man United – but I have to be professional.
‘Chelsea as a football club is just not working and we are becoming a mockery for other clubs.
‘We live in the present and not the future, fans want results and I want results, I don’t want to wait four years to get them.
’We need to sign spine players – look at what N’Golo Kante is doing at the Euros – it’s shameful why we’re getting rid of these players.
‘There’s no consistency and we also got rid of Thiago Silva, who was our only experienced defender.
’We have talented players but they are far too young. There needs to be a blend of youth and wisdom of experience and we don’t have that.
‘That is why we’re good and then terrible 15 minutes later and this is the new normal.’
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