Atletico open talks with N'Golo Kante amid Chelsea transfer mess

Tom Weber

• Updated: 13 Aug 2024 16:09 BST
• 4 min read

Atletico Madrid have opened talks with N'Golo Kante, according to Spanish media.

The Spanish giants are in the midst of a real transfer mess. Conor Gallagher was set to join Atletico Madrid, but are currently not able to finalise his signing due to Chelsea's move for Samu Omorodion falling through.

The Gallagher deal has not yet officially collapsed and talks are ongoing between Chelsea and Atleti over Joao Felix, but the England star is set to return to London imminently.

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There, he will first be given some time off before being forced to train with Chelsea's U21s should his future still not be resolved by the end of his break. In the meantime, Diego Simeone and company are sounding out the market for potential alternatives to the 24-year-old.

According to Relevo, they have now found an alternative - and quite a spectacular one at that.

Atleti open talks with Kante

The Spanish outlet reports that the LaLiga side have now opened talks with the camp of N'Golo Kante to test the waters regarding a potential transfer.

The Al-Ittihad and ex-Chelsea midfielder starred for France at Euro 2024 after his surprise call-up and refused to rule out a return to Europe while speaking to the media during the tournament.

Indeed, it is claimed that Kante is keen on the move. The problems, however, are manifold. First of all, he is 33 years of age and on good money in Saudi Arabia. He would have to lower his salary, though signing him would be considered a 'market opportunity' as he is much cheaper than Gallagher.

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Then, according to Fabrizio Romano, there is the issue that Al-Ittihad don't want to sell one of their star players. Relevo states that the Saudi side are refusing to get involved in this story because they have yet to receive a formal offer, but they are aware that talks have taken place.

Another issue is that Atleti will most likely focus on a left-footed defender rather than a midfielder should the Gallagher deal collapse. The closer we get to the end of the window, the more reluctant Al-Ittihad will be to do business even if the Pro League transfer period doesn't end until October.