Former Liverpool and Aston Villa striker Dean Saunders has urged Manchester City to consider signing former Chelsea midfielder N’Golo Kante, stating that the Frenchman can still play for any team in the world.
Manchester City are once again locked in a Premier League title race with Arsenal. City are five points behind table toppers Arsenal but have a game in hand and have scored more goals than the Gunners.
With the January transfer window on the horizon, Saunders believes Kante would be a ‘statement’ signing for City, arguing that the former Chelsea man still possesses his incredible stamina and work rate.
“This could be the signing of the season,” he told talkSPORT. “This is a big statement. I think Kante is available. I think he's been there long enough, I think he's got to stay there to avoid paying tax for a certain amount. I think he's available. He could play for any team in the world. That position he plays in, defensive midfield, thinks like a defender, covers the ground.
Sounders dismissed any concerns about Kante’s age, arguing that his position doesn’t require excessive running. He continued:
“What is he, 34? He should be still flying around the pitch, he wouldn't have lost his pace yet. Great attitude. He could play in the middle of midfield for Man City. One-year contract, sign him for a year, just in case his legs have gone. But you don't have to run that much in that position. He would fit into any team in the Premier League, right now.
Saunders concluded by placing Kante among the best defensive midfielders of the game, putting him in the same elite company as former Blues defensive midfielder Claude Makelele and 2024 Ballon d’Or winner Rodri.
“I mean, Arsenal don't need him, I suppose. They've got Martin Zubimendi, they could play Declan Rice there if they have to. But all the other teams in the league, I would sign him tomorrow. I think he's probably the best since Claude Makelele, probably, playing in that position. And Rodri, obviously.”
Kante joined Chelsea from Leicester City in 2016 but currently plays for Al-Ittihad in the Saudi Pro League.
N’Golo Kante’s time at Chelsea at a glance
N’Golo Kante was a phenomenon at Chelsea, establishing himself as one of the best midfielders during his seven-year spell at the club. Fresh from winning the Premier League title with Leicester, the Frenchman played a key role in guiding Chelsea to the league title in his debut season. In the process, he became the first outfield player since Eric Cantona to win consecutive English top-flight titles with different clubs.
His other notable campaign came in the 2020-21 season when he played a key role in the club’s journey to UEFA Champions League glory. He won the Man of the Match award across both legs of the semi-final against Real Madrid and in the final against Manchester City.
During his time at Chelsea, Kante won a total of six trophies and registered 29 goal contributions in 269 appearances across all competitions.