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Football London
Football London
Sport
Charlie Bennett

Why N’Golo Kante’s big-money Chelsea exit to Al-Ittihad is being delayed

N’Golo Kante’s high-profile move to Saudi Arabian outfit Al-Ittihad is reportedly hanging in the balance.

Claims by AFP suggest the Frenchman’s extensive injury record is holding up the deal as club officials examine his medical results. Kante has been plagued by issues in recent years, making just seven Premier League appearances last season.

As recently as last month, there were suggestions Kante would sign a two-year contract extension to remain at Stamford Bridge. The 32-year-old, despite his frustrating campaign, was instrumental in Chelsea’s most recent Premier and Champions League triumphs.

But now he appears set to become the latest star to enjoy an Indian summer in the Middle East. Cristiano Ronaldo made the move in January and that has paved the way for other global superstars to follow suit.

READ MORE: Chelsea news and transfers LIVE: Moises Caicedo bid, Havertz exit, £172m deal signed, Neymar move

Kante’s former international teammate, Karim Benzema, joined Al-Ittihad last week and will reportedly earn £86million per year. Should the Chelsea midfielder reunite with Benzema at club level, outlets are claiming he will earn a similar pay packet.

However, Kante must come through his stringent medical tests unscathed before penning a bumper deal. The report claims Al-Ittihad have a “binding agreement” with the midfielder but remain cautious about his injury history.

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