West Ham ‘plot £20m move’ for former Chelsea favourite after Aleix Garcia blow. West Ham United are being linked with a move for a former Chelsea favourite as they bid to land a midfielder.
West Ham United are reportedly pushing to sign a former Chelsea favourite as they gear up for the new season. The Hammers are beginning a new project under Julen Lopetegui following the departure of David Moyes at the end of last season.
The Hammers will want to compete for European football again this season after dropping off a little last term. As part of that, they are reportedly eyeing a move for a World Cup winner in N’Golo Kante. The midfielder is currently with Al-Ittihad in Saudi Arabia, but he could be set for a return to Europe.
The 33-year-old is still going strong, representing France at Euro 2024, and he will still command a big fee, according to reports. The Guardian say the Hammers will have to pay around £20million to secure a deal, which is a pricey deal for a player of that age.
It’s claimed Kante is happy with his current club, but he is said to be open to a return to London. A defensive midfielder is close to the top of West Ham’s list of transfer priorities this summer, and Kante has become a target after Aleix Garcia decided to join Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen.
What Kante has said about European return
Kante was asked about whether he is finished playing football in Europe during the summer. He responded: “No, it’s not over. I appreciate the feedback. In Saudi Arabia, it’s new football, a new experience.
“Finding these feelings again with the French team is beautiful, it touches me, we want to do well. But that’s not a question I’m asking myself today.”
Kante said upon leaving Chelsea: “The time for me has come to open a new chapter in my career. But before that, it is so important for me to say thank you to the great and beautiful family of Chelsea.
“Fans, players, managers, medical staff, board members, all those who have been with me during these last seven seasons in this legendary club. Only good memories, great victories and memorable titles won by your side. From the bottom of my heart, thank you very much, I will never forget you.
“And of course last but not least, I thank my family, my friends, who have always been by my side in good and bad times. Without forgetting my agent, Karim as well as my advisors Rachid and Driss who have given me such precious support since my beginnings and have been a major part of my success. These past times have not been easy for us and our family, but we were able to stay united to face rumours and lies. See you soon for new adventures on the pitch with Al Ittihad and the French National Team.”
West Ham chief Tim Steidten has confirmed West Ham have money to spend this summer, promising a busy few months. He said: “The owners have done a great job with the transfer budget over the past couple of years. We have money to spend and don’t need to sell, so we’re in good shape financially. I can’t tell you specifics on individual transfers, but it will be a busy summer for us for sure.”
