West Ham Eye £20m Move for N’Golo Kante

West Ham United are actively negotiating with Al-Ittihad to bring former Chelsea midfielder N’Golo Kante back to London, The Guardian has reported. The 33-year-old, who represented France at Euro 2024, is reportedly open to re-joining the Premier League. Meanwhile, both the clubs are working towards a transfer valued at approximately £20 million.

Despite being content with his current position at Al-Ittihad, Kante is considering a return to England, where he previously enjoyed a highly successful seven-season tenure with Chelsea. This history with English football adds to his interest in moving back to the English capital.

The Hammers, seeking to strengthen their midfield following an underwhelming loan spell from Kalvin Phillips, have identified Kante as a key target. According to reports, new manager Julen Lopetegui, who has long admired Kante from his time at Real Madrid, is eager to integrate the seasoned midfielder into his squad. Meanwhile, West Ham had also pursued Aleix Garcia but missed out after he opted for Bayer Leverkusen.

Kante’s potential move would address West Ham’s need for experienced reinforcement in midfield and align with their strategy to enhance their squad for the upcoming season.

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Kante’s Experience to Strengthen the Squad

Kante enjoyed a notable career in England, winning the Premier League with Leicester City in 2016 and again with Chelsea in 2017. He also claimed the Champions League, FA Cup, and Europa League with Chelsea and was named Premier League and PFA Player of the Year in 2017.

With 61 international caps and a World Cup win in 2018, Kante’s experience would be a significant asset to West Ham as they enter a new chapter under Lopetegui. His potential arrival would add to the squad’s recent additions of Max Kilman, Luis Guilherme, and Wes Foderingham.