Barcelona and La Liga giants linked with surprise move to sign ex-Chelsea star N'Golo Kante - Reports
According to reports, La Liga giants Barcelona and Atlético Madrid are both interested in signing French midfielder N'Golo Kante this summer. The 33-year-old midfielder had two injury-plagued seasons at Chelsea before he joined Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad last summer.
N'Golo Kante wants to leave Saudi Arabia and Barcelona are looking to take advantage of the situation, as per SPORT. The report claims that the Catalan side are looking to make contact with the Frenchman and bring him to Camp Nou.
In the recently concluded Euro 2024, N'Golo Kante turned out to be a key player in the French midfield. Despite missing international football for almost two years, Kante was one of France's best players in the tournament, connecting the team's attack and defense.
N'Golo Kante maintained a passing accuracy of 90.84% in Euro 2024 and steered the French side to the semi-finals where they lost against eventual champions Spain.
Meanwhile, Barca's league rivals Atletico Madrid are also eyeing Kante after their attempt to sign Conor Gallagher from Chelsea reached an impasse. Atletico had reportedly agreed a deal worth $43.1 million with the Blues, but the transfer hinged on Samu Omorodion moving to Chelsea.
However, the latter deal collapsed and the Blues have reportedly instructed Gallagher to return to London.
Barcelona's sporting director is keen on signing N'Golo Kante - Reports
N'Golo Kante is reportedly one of the prime targets for Barcelona's sporting director Deco. He wants a midfielder who can break opposition lines, win the ball in clumsy midfield battles, and give it to the players up front. The club had previously tried to sign Martin Zubimendi, but the Spaniard has decided to stay at Real Sociedad after rejecting Premier League giants Liverpool.
Before Kante, Deco was also interested in signing Amadou Onana from Everton, who can fulfill a similar role in the squad. However, the Belgian midfielder has joined Aston Villa.
Manager Hansi Flick, on the other hand, reportedly believes that La Blaugrana's priority should be signing another attacker after Dani Olmo. Barca were interested in Nico Williams, but the Spanish winger seems set to remain at Athletic Club this season.