Chelsea star signs four-year contract ahead of £85m move as Newcastle United PIF owners eye quadruple Saudi Arabia swoop

N’Golo Kante is set to be announced as an Al Ittihad player - and more Chelsea stars are expected to follow the Frenchman to Saudi Arabia this summer.

Kante has signed a four-year contract worth £85million after failing to agree a new deal at Stamford Bridge. An official announcement confirming the midfielder’s arrival is expected in the coming days.

The 32-year-old will join fellow countryman Karim Benzema at Al Ittihad following his move from Real Madrid earlier this month. Indeed, two of Kante’s Chelsea teammates are also reportedly on the verge of a switch to the Saudi Pro League.

Since the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia - who 80 per cent of Newcastle United - gained a 75 per cent stake in Al Ahli, Al Nassr, Al Hilal and Al Ittihad on June 5, several high-profile players have been offered lucrative terms by those clubs.

As well as Kante, Wolverhampton Wanderers star Ruben Neves is on the verge of completing a £47million move to Al Hilal, who Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo joined in January, after a move to La Liga giants Barcelona collapsed.

Neves’ imminent switch has come as a surprise to many as the 26-year-old, who recently spoke about his desire to play Champions League football, enters the peak years of his career. But he isn’t alone.

As per transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Neves could be joined by Chelsea defender Kalidou Koulibaly. There is a “growing confidence” that the Senegal international will accept Al Hilal’s contract offer and leave Stamford Bridge after just 12 months.

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Romano also claims Blues winger Hakim Ziyech is ‘on the verge of reaching an agreement’ with Al Nassr. Meanwhile, Saudi clubs are also hopeful of tempting Edouard Mendy and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

The emergence of the Saudi Pro League this summer has shocked clubs across Europe.

Following their four-team takeover, PIF said: “The transfer of the four clubs will unleash various commercial opportunities, including investment, partnership and sponsorships across numerous sports.”