West Ham in N’Golo Kante talks with money no objective over surprise transfer
West Ham are still pursuing several signings in the January transfer window.
Pablo and Taty Castellanos have already signed for West Ham, but they still have important issues to address.
Defensively, the Hammers are a mess, and it’s no shock that right-back Brooke Norton-Cuffy is linked with a move to E20.
West Ham are also keen on signing a new goalkeeper despite Alphonse Areola’s impressive performances in recent weeks.
However, with Andy Irving’s departure confirmed on Sunday, N’Golo Kante has emerged as a surprise target for the Hammers.
West Ham’s representatives in talks with N’Golo Kante
In terms of addressing depth in midfield, West Ham are in advanced negotiations to sign Keiber Lamadrid from Venezuelan outfit Deportivo La Guaira.
However, according to Turkish newspaper Sabah’s print edition on Tuesday, Everton and West Ham have now entered the race for Kante, who looked set to join Fenerbahce.
He currently plays for Saudi Arabian outfit Al Ittihad, but is best known for his successful years playing for Leicester and Chelsea.
Representatives from both clubs have informed the player’s side that there will be no problems regarding the transfer fee.
The transfer race is expected to intensify in the coming days, and it has also been learned that some clubs from France’s Ligue 1 are preparing official offers for the 34-year-old.
Widely regarded as one of the greatest midfielders in Premier League history, the France international could single-handedly save West Ham from relegation should he be able to hit the ground running.
Kante signing could prove West Ham’s most important in recent memory
Of course, there is a lot that needs to be done before the 2018 World Cup winner can make his way to E20, but it’s incredibly exciting news.
West Ham have been criticised in recent years for having a lack of energy and athleticism in midfield, but Kante is the opposite, even at the age of 34.
In 2016-17, he was named the PFA Players’ Player of the Year, the FWA Footballer of the Year, and the Premier League Player of the Season after winning the league in his first season with Chelsea.
| Stat | Kante |
| Appearances | 227 |
| Goals | 12 |
| Assists | 17 |
| Premier League titles won | 2 |
He was part of the Leicester side that won the title against all the odds the year before, and went on to become a Champions League winner in 2021.
His pedigree is unmatched, and the Hammers are in desperate need of a leader who can drag them up the table.
If Kante were to join, and West Ham were to stay up as a result, it could be their greatest signing in recent memory.
Stay up to date this winter with our West Ham transfer tracker. Click to see every done deal at the London Stadium, plus expert reaction from our team of writers.