West Ham United have expressed interest in French midfielder N’Golo Kanté and are in talks with Al-Ittihad for a reported £20 million fee, according to Will Unwin of The Guardian.
The Hammers Express Interest in N’Golo Kanté
West Ham Target Al-Ittihad Key Player
West Ham’s interest in Kanté appears to signify the club’s interest in strengthening their midfield. Since Declan Rice’s move to London rivals Arsenal in July 2023, West Ham have been seemingly short in that area. Kanté’s tireless work rate, defensive prowess, and ability to break up opposition attacks make him an ideal candidate.
The 33-year-old described as “fantastic” needs no introduction. His performances for Leicester City and Chelsea have solidified his reputation as one of the best midfielders in the world. His relentless ball-winning abilities, exceptional passing range, and leadership qualities would significantly enhance West Ham’s midfield. The Frenchman’s Euro 2024 campaign helped remind the world of his midfield abilities, securing back-to-back Man of the Match awards against Ralf Ragnick’s Austria and Ronald Koeman’s Netherlands.
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However, securing Kanté’s services won’t be easy. The Saudi Pro League side, Al-Ittihad, where the Frenchman currently plays, values him highly and considers him a key player for the club. Negotiating a deal with the Saudi Arabian club will require West Ham to dig deep into their pockets. With Premier League clubs being cautious of FFP rules, it remains to be seen whether West Ham will fork out an amount higher than £20 million should Al Ittihad demand more.
Why West Ham Interest in Kanté Makes Sense
If the transfer goes through, West Ham fans can expect Kanté to seamlessly fit into their midfield. His ability to shield the defence, intercept passes, and distribute the ball efficiently would improve the team’s overall performance. Kanté’s presence would also offer tactical flexibility for new manager Julen Lopetegui.
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The Spanish manager has long admired the Frenchman and wanted to sign the 33-year-old during his brief spell at Real Madrid. The Hammers are interested in signing a new defensive midfielder after Englishman Kalvin Phillips didn’t meet expectations during his loan spell from Manchester City, and it’s highly unlikely that West Ham will keep him on a permanent transfer.
Whether they can persuade Al-Ittihad to part ways with their key midfielder remains uncertain. However, one thing is clear: Kanté’s potential arrival would demonstrate West Ham’s intent to compete at the highest level.
