Why N’Golo Kante’s Big Money Move to Saudi Arabia From Chelsea Has Stalled

• N'Golo Kante's move to Saudi Arabia has now suffered a slight setback
• The diminutive midfielder is expected to complete a move to Al Ittihad this summer
• His recent injury records is, however, reportedly a cause of concern for his new suitors

N'Golo Kante's rumoured mega-money move to Saudi Arabia has reportedly hit an unlikely snag, with Al Ittihad retreating to consider his medical history.

Kante's exit from Chelsea on a free transfer is understood to be imminent, with the dynamic midfielder understood to be among the latest superstar to make a beeline for the Middle East.

Reports broke out this week that he had already agreed personal terms with Al-Ittihad and would pocket close to 86 million euros per year. Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano indicated that the Frenchman will sign a two-year deal hence reuniting with his former international teammate, Karim Benzema.

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GFFN, however, indicates that whilst Kante's agent is in Saudi Arabia, no deal has been agreed on yet, with the player also exploring options of a move to Al-Nassr or Al-Hilal.

Football London adds that a deal is yet to be struck with Al-Ittihad, said to be coy over Kante's recent injury issues. The midfielder barely played in the just-concluded season after picking up a hamstring injury in the second game week of the season.

Kante's medical with the Saudi Arabia club will have to be beyond irrevocable doubt for the deal to sail through.

Midfielders that can replace Kante

Chelsea was set to undergo a squad revolution once Mauricio Pochettino took over the reins officially as the club's new head coach.

A dismal season saw them swap managers four times but still finish in the bottom-half of the table, despite heavy investment, showed things had to be done differently. However, no one really foresaw a significant overhaul that would leave the Blues requiring to build their midfield from scratch.

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Jorginho left the club for Arsenal in January, with N'Golo Kante understood to be on his way to oil-rich Saudi Arabia on a free transfer.

Enzo Fernandez has been a shining light in Chelsea's poor season since he arrived from Benfica, but he will need help if they are to return to the top of English and European football.

Sports Brief takes a look at who the Todd Boehly-backed club can sign.