Marseille make ‘verbal agreement’ to sign French midfield star and Arsenal target

Olympique de Marseille have made a ‘verbal agreement’ with Stade Malherbe Caen to sign their midfielder N’Golo Kante this summer.

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The 24-year-old has been in excellent form in Ligue 1 so far this season, and having helped the club to promotion from Ligue 2 last term, is enjoying something of a breakthrough campaign.

Kante has featured 31 times in the French top flight so far this term, contributing four assists and scoring four goals.

OM were first linked to the player in the Autumn, and according to Le10Sport made concrete approaches for the Franco-Malian. While they were rebuffed in January, Marcelo Bielsa’s side are expecting to sign the player this summer, despite interest from Arsenal.

It is expected that the player will move for a fee in the region of 5 million Euros, and may well be charged with replacing Giannelli Imbula.

The 22-year-old has emerged as one of the most effective central midfielders in the French top flight, but has been targeted by Chelsea, who have reportedly sent scouts to watch him at the Stade Velodrome.