Cristiano Ronaldo's potential move to Saudi side Al-Nassr has raised eyebrows - and the possibility of him being joined by N'Golo Kante has now emerged.
Ronaldo is without a club after his Manchester United contract was cancelled on the eve of the World Cup last month. Despite looking to find another Champions League club, the Portuguese international has found a shortage of options and is now reported to be closing in on a move to the Middle East.
The big-money move to Al-Nassr, if completed, would see him land a huge, £175m-a-year deal which would only increase when he moves into an ambassadorial role after his playing career is over. It is a lucrative move, and one which could be made even more appealing by the prospect of being joined by Kante in the summer.
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According to reports in France, Al-Nassr have now expressed an interest in also signing the Chelsea midfielder in what would be a further statement of intent. Foot Mercato and Get French Football News both claim Al-Nassr want Kante on a free transfer when his Chelsea contract expires.
It is claimed Kante is attached to London and would love to stay in the city if Chelsea do not offer him a new deal. However, he is not specifically against a move to Al-Nassr as he looks to keep his options open.
The midfielder has endured a miserable season at Chelsea plagued by injury issues, prompting France legend Frank Lebouef to claim he should consider retirement earlier this week.
"I haven’t spoken to him about his fitness and how he feels but it could be that he’s nearing the end of it [his career]," Leboeuf told Safe Betting Sites. "Because the thing is we have to understand that we are talking about a human being. Suddenly your body says okay, enough, leave me alone.
"The end of your career is also a part of your career, and you have to choose the right time to give up. Even if you don’t want to and even if your football is great and you want to carry on.
“You have to give envy to people and not pity. So you have to make a decision in your own mind [regarding retirement]. You have to talk to your family and say maybe okay, it’s over. So I don’t know his shape but if he feels that he can serve Chelsea well then he should stay.”
In order to sign Ronaldo and Kante, Al-Nassr will need some players to depart given they already have eight foreign players in their squad in a league which dictates a maximum of seven can be registered.
