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Article continues belowArticle continues belowArticle continues below<script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Kante has two years left on contract</li><li>West Ham need to pay sizeable transfer fee</li><li>Could struggle to meet player's wage demands</li></ul>

N'Golo Kante linked with shock Premier League return with West Ham keen on signing Al-Ittihad star

The French midfielder, renowned for his tenacity and work rate, previously enjoyed title-winning spells at both Leicester City and Chelsea before making a high-profile move to Saudi Arabian side Al-Ittihad last year. Since heading to the Middle East, <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/n-golo-kante-chelsea-al-ittihad-saudi-pro-league-al-hilal/blt8146afd88e057397" target="_blank">Kante has been a significant presence on the pitch</a>, amassing 46 appearances across all competitions last season.

WHAT HAPPENED?

According to <a href="https://www.skysports.com/football/live-blog/31771/12476234/transfer-centre-live-could-ngolo-kante-return-to-the-premier-league-with-west-ham-this-summer?postid=7992048#liveblog-body" target="_blank">Sky Sports</a>, the Hammers are contemplating bringing back Kante to English shores. However, the potential acquisition of the French midfielder is estimated to cost around £20 million ($26m) as his contract with Al-Ittihad runs until 2026. Moreover, <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/news/n-golo-kante-al-ittihad-chelsea-100m-deal-join-cristiano-ronaldo-karim-benzema-saudi-pro-league/bltb1e76e8b5f9afd2d" target="_blank">the player's substantial wages </a>might pose a challenge for the Premier League outfit.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Kante's final season at Chelsea in 2022/23 was marred by injuries, limiting him to just seven Premier League appearances. However, since his move to Al-Ittihad, he has managed to regain his fitness and form. His performances were strong enough to earn him a spot in France's squad for Euro 2024, where he played a pivotal role, starting all six of Les Bleus' matches before their elimination in the semi-finals.

DID YOU KNOW?

Under the leadership of head coach Julen Lopetegui, West Ham are planning to substantially bolster their squad with cost-effective options. Alongside their interest in Kante, West Ham are also monitoring several other players, including <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/new-era-for-man-utd-red-devils-open-to-transfer-offers-for-long-serving-stars-as-west-ham-circle-and-fulham-see-bid-knocked-back/blt4d5784b50652c95e" target="_blank">Manchester United right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka,</a> Arsenal winger Reiss Nelson, and <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/west-ham-unlikely-to-complete-transfer-man-utd-target-jean-clair-todibo-agreement-nice-juventus-lurk/blt2573100297708960" target="_blank">Nice defender Jean-Clair Todibo</a>. They have already spent approximately £60 million ($78m) so far on incomings, including Wolves defender Max Kilman and Brazilian forward Luis Guilherme.

WHAT NEXT?

N'Golo Kante linked with shock Premier League return with West Ham keen on signing Al-Ittihad star | Goal.com

N&apos;Golo Kante could reportedly make a shock Premier League return as West Ham are keen on signing the Al-Ittihad star.