Transfer: Benzema joins Al-Ittihad, Kante following soon

The European season is almost over with just two matches left to close all major leagues in Europe. Just as has been the norm, players are moving to different clubs ahead of the new season. There has never been a transfer season without the ‘ooowws’ and ‘aaawws’ and this one will be no different. We bring to you the latest transfer updates involving Karim Benzema, Chelsea, N’Golo Kante, Manchester United and some of Europe’s top clubs and players.

• Karim Benzema signs a three-year deal in Saudi Arabia.

• N’Golo Kante is set to follow Benzema to Saudi Champions.

• Manchester United step up pursuit of Kim Min-Jae.

Reiss Nelson wants Arsenal stay despite interest from home and abroad

According to Fabrizio Romano, Reiss Nelson prefers to stay at Arsenal despite interest from several clubs both at home and abroad. Italian, French and Premier League clubs are interested in the English winger. Meanwhile, the 23-year-old is in set to sign a new long-term deal that will keep him at the club until 2027.

Nuno Tavares won’t join Galatasaray

Arsenal left-back won’t be heading to Galatasaray as there has been no discussion about it. The Portuguese defender spent the season at Marseille and was reported to be in the frame to move to Turkey with Galatasaray but the Turkish club rather keeping tabs on Juventus defender Alex Sandro who is likely to leave the club this window.

Karim Benzema officially signs for Al-Ittihad

Ex-Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema has signed for Saudi Pro League Champions Al-Ittihad on a three-year deal. The French forward ended his long-term relationship with the Spanish side at the end of the season and has quickly moved across to the Middle East to link up with his former teammate Christiano Ronaldo. The duo, however, will compete for different teams as the Frenchman joins the club that beat Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr to the league title this season.

Manchester United made contact with Napoli defender

English side, Manchester United have contact with Napoli defender Kim Min-Jae with hopes of luring the South Korean centre-back to the Premier League. The Korean’s release clause is only valid in July and United has been in touch with the player’s agent. According to Fabrizio Romano, The Red Devils are also keeping tabs on the French market for a plan B. However, it won’t be an easy sail for Erik Ten Hag’s side as Newcastle United are also in the frame for the player.

Mac Allister set for long-term Liverpool deal

Alexis Mac Allister has completed a medical at Liverpool ahead of his transfer to the club from Brighton and Hove Albion. The player is expected to sign a long-term deal that will keep him at Anfield until 2028. Manchester United were the other club that was in hot pursuit of the player before his decision to switch to Anfield.

Wilfred Zaha set to join Ronaldo at Al-Nassr

Wilfred Zaha whose deal at Crystal Palace has expired will be the next big name to move to the Saudi Pro League. The former Crystal Palace forward, according to Italian journalist Rudy Galetti, has reached an agreement to join the club as a free agent.

Maguire is on Manchester United’s clearout list

Manchester United captain Harry Maguire is set to end his tumultuous time at Old Trafford with the club seeking to cash in on the defender. The defender has reportedly agreed to be transferred away from Old Trafford where he has found game time hard to come by after always making costly errors when given the chance. Tottenham Hotspur are set to be interested in the player. Also on the list of players who are wanted out at the club are Van de Beek, Eric Bailly and Alex Telles. Dean Henderson will be transferred to Nottingham Forest while Wout Weghorst will not make his loan permanent. Everton is interested in the Dutch striker with reported interest from Spain as well.

N’Golo Kante in discussion for Saudi Arabia switch.

Chelsea midfielder N’Golo Kante is in discussion with Saudi Pro League champions Al-Ittihad to move to the Middle East. The midfielder wanted a new deal at Chelsea but that was not granted and he is now set to move to Saudi Arabia with Al-Ittihad who have already snapped up his compatriot Benzema. The deal could be up to €100m per season if all commercial and image rights are included. The offer will be on a two-year deal.

AC Milan is interested in Christian Pulisic

USMNT striker Christian Pulisic is among the number of players who will leave Chelsea this transfer window as the club seeks to resize its bloated squad. The forward is of interest to the Italian side AC Milan and other clubs. The Rossoneri are also interested in Reuben Loftus-Cheek but talks on that deal are on hold currently.