Player exodus looms at Chelsea as N’Golo Kante joins Saudi Arabia’s Al-Ittihad

N’Golo Kante has parted ways with Chelsea, the English Premier League (EPL) side.

Kante joined Al-Ittihad of Saudi Arabia on a free transfer following the expiration of his Chelsea contract at the end of June.

According to BBC Sport, Kante signed a three-year contract with Al-Ittihad worth around £86 million.

The club announced Kante’s exit via a farewell statement on its website.

“Chelsea today says goodbye to club legend N’Golo Kante, with the midfielder to join Saudi Professional League side Al-Ittihad at the expiration of his contract,” the statement reads.

The 32-year-old French international spent seven years at the club and played a pivotal role as Chelsea won the Premier League, FA Cup, Champions League, Europa League, UEFA Super Cup, and the FIFA Club World Cup.

His exit is the first of more than five players expected to leave Chelsea in a bid to stay within UEFA financial fair play rules after the London club splashed over £600 million on transfers in just one year.

Kante is expected to be joined in Nuevo-rich Saudi Pro League by Kalidou Koulibaly,  Edouard Mendy, and Hakim Ziyech. Matteo Kovacic is expected to move to Manchester City while Kai Havertz is the subject of interest from Arsenal.