N’Golo Kante could secure a move back to Europe after Al Ittihad opened the door to his departure.
The 34-year-old will not be retained by the Saudi Pro League club for the forthcoming season with suitors already showing interest.
N'Golo Kante appears set to leave Al Ittihad before the end of the transfer window
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N'Golo Kante appears set to leave Al Ittihad before the end of the transfer windowCredit: Getty
According to French outlet L’Equipe, Kante could be offered an escape route back to European football with French top-flight clubs Monaco and Paris FC, who have both been offered his services.
Saudi outfit Al Qadsiah are also interested in Kante but a move back to his homeland could prove favourable for the midfielder.
Kante has spent the last two seasons in Saudi Arabia following a successful spell in English football with Leicester City and Chelsea.
The World Cup winner played a key role in Leicester’s miraculous Premier League title success in 2016 before securing a £32million switch to Stamford Bridge.
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Success continued for Kante as he lifted the Premier League again a year later before going on to scoop FA Cup, Europa League and Champions League glory.
Injuries plagued his last days at Chelsea but that has not been the case at Al Ittihad where Kante has boasted a full bill of health under boss Laurent Blanc.
He has featured 80 times for Al Ittihad, scoring eight times and registering 10 assists in his two years at the club.
But off the pitch, tensions have arisen between Kante and the club after the Frenchman last year voiced his annoyance at earning considerably less than incoming signings.
He was reportedly offered a new two-year contract extension until 2028 but on reduced wages, much to his displeasure.
The club have now changed their plans and are open to Kante’s departure.
Kante lifted the Champions League with Chelsea in 2021
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Kante lifted the Champions League with Chelsea in 2021Credit: AFP
Success followed him to Al Ittihad when he helped the club lift the Saudi Pro League title last season
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Success followed him to Al Ittihad when he helped the club lift the Saudi Pro League title last seasonCredit: Getty
And that has alerted a youthful Monaco side who have prioritised experienced signings this summer.
What can Monaco and Paris FC offer Kante?
The Principality club have already secured the signing of goalkeeper Lukas Hradecky and England international Eric Dier.
Monaco still have Paul Pogba to come into the team once he reaches full fitness, giving the Ligue 1 side the opportunity to field two members of France’s World Cup winning midfield of 2018.
Meanwhile, ambitious Ligue 1 new boys Paris FC can offer Kante the opportunity to move back to his home city.
Paris FC, a recent addition to the Red Bull Group and supported by head of global soccer Jurgen Klopp, are owned by the wealthy Arnault family.
And their millions could be used to entice Kante back to the capital despite Monaco being able to offer the midfielder Champions League football.
Paul Pogba and Kante could be reunited if he heads to Monaco
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Paul Pogba and Kante could be reunited if he heads to MonacoCredit: getty
Kante’s next move will be critical to his hopes of being selected for next summer’s World Cup.