Arsenal transfer news: Arsene Wenger talks up Leicester's N'Golo Kante, fuelling transfer rumours

The France international has a £20m release clause

Simon Rice
Friday 10 June 2016 11:38 BST
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N'Golo Kante on France duty with Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud
N'Golo Kante on France duty with Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud (Getty)

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Arsene Wenger has heaped praise on N'Golo Kante to fuel speculation that Arsenal will move for the Leicester midfielder.

Kante is preparing for Euro 2016 with France following his impeccable season that helped Leicester become the most unfancied Premier League title winners in history.

The 25-year-old has a £20m release clause that is almost certain to be triggered this summer, and judging by Wenger's assessment, Arsenal could be among those to do so.

"I admire and like N'Golo Kante a lot. It gives you ideas," he told beIN Sports. "He gives you the feeling that the higher the level he plays at, the more at ease he is.

"We are talking about numbers. He has the most interceptions in Europe and by far.

"He has incredible quality. He feels the game, only very few people can do that. He's always where he needs to be.

"It is very rare to have that in the central midfielder. Not always orthodox, but always in the right place."

Wenger has already signed Granit Xhaka this summer
Wenger has already signed Granit Xhaka this summer (Getty)

Kante, who joined Leicester from Caen just last summer, has refused to be drawn on speculation except to say he won't make a decision until at least after Euro 2016.

“I am a Leicester player," he said recently. "For now, I have not taken a decision even if I have been made offers.

"It will be great to play in the Champions League. I will decide my future after the Euros.”

Arsenal have already triggered a release clause for Kante's Leicester team-mate Jamie Vardy.

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