N'Golo Kante joins Benzema at Saudi Arabia's Al-Ittihad

AFP has confirmed that French midfielder N'Golo Kante has signed a three-year deal with Saudi Arabia's Al-Ittihad.

This comes a day after fellow countryman Karim Benzema also joined the team. The World Cup-winning Kante underwent a full medical before the contract was signed.

The 32-year-old, who lifted the 2018 World Cup in Russia, has a history of injuries and missed six months of this season with a hamstring problem.

AFP noted that their source did not divulge the size of the deal, which comes as the oil-rich Gulf monarchy buys up a swathe of players for its domestic Saudi Pro League.

Meanwhile, on Tuesday, June 6, Benzema, a Ballon d'Or winner, was confirmed as a major signing for Jeddah-based Al-Ittihad, on a three-year contract as well.

The latest signings come after Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo joined Saudi Arabia's Al-Nassr in January in a deal said to be worth more than Ksh 59,614,364,680.

AFP also disclosed that Benzema, Kante and Argentine great Lionel Messi are on a list of 10 targets who have been contacted by Saudi officials.