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Chelsea icon N'Golo Kante 'very close' to sensational return to Europe
Tom Weber
- Updated: 8 Dec 2025 17:07 GMT
- 4 min read
News
Chelsea great N'Golo Kante was 'very close' to joining nouveau riche Paris FC in the summer, according to club owner Antoine Arnault.
The France international, who recently made a sensational return to Didier Deschamps' squad, has been playing at Al-Ittihad in Saudi Arabia since leaving Chelsea on a free transfer in 2023.
Despite his advanced age, the 34-year-old has continued to impress, so much so that he was a shock inclusion in France's side for the 2024 European Championship. He was arguably Les Bleus' most reliable performer at the tournament in Germany.
Current ETV
N'Golo Kanté
DM, M (C)
Al-Ittihad
N'Golo Kanté
DM, M (C)
Al-Ittihad
ETV Range
€1.5M - €2.2M
This prompted several European clubs, including some from the Premier League, to explore a move for Kante in the summer of 2024. However, nothing ultimately materialised.
In recent weeks, speculation has once again increased. Kante is in the final year of his contract at Al-Ittihad, and he has been heavily linked with a free transfer to Paris FC next year.
PFC already wanted Kante this summer
Speaking to L'Equipe, Paris FC chief Antoine Arnault revealed that the promoted Ligue 1 outfit, who are backed by Arnault's LVMH empire and also part-owned by Red Bull, were 'very close' to signing Kante already this summer.
"It was a very close call this summer," Arnault said. "It's a shame, and I was sad he didn't come. I think he wanted to come too, but his club wouldn't let him go.
"We respect that. It's a pity because having N'Golo in the team would have created an extra dynamic and perhaps even five more points in the standings. Anyway, it's no longer relevant."
PFC spent €57.3 million on new recruits in the summer following their takeover and promotion back to Ligue 1 for the first time in decades. Despite this, recent results have been disappointing, which has seen the club slip to 14th in the table.
Given the recent speculation, it remains to be seen if Arnault is actually telling the truth when he says that the Kante topic is "no longer relevant." With his contract in Jeddah expiring, it wouldn't be a shock to see Kante back in Europe next season.
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