Ajax starlet Mohammed Kudus has been mooted as a transfer target for both Arsenal and Chelsea during the summer window.
Kudus enjoyed an impressive 2022/23 campaign at the Johan Cruyff Arena, netting 18 goals across all competitions That kind of form hasn’t gone unnoticed, with a host of Premier League clubs said to be interested in signing him this summer.
So with that being said, football.london has rounded up everything we’ve heard about the Ghana international’s future below.
Agreement reached
Brighton have reached an agreement in principle with Ajax to Kudus, as per the Athletic.
The Seagulls will pay €40million (£34.5million) for the talented playmaker, a club record fee. The player is also said to be close to agreeing personal terms with Roberto De Zerbi’s side.
Ajax claim
According to Dutch outlet Voetbal International, everyone at Ajax expects Kudus to leave the club this summer.
The Dutch giants are said to have prepared a list of candidates to replace the 22-year-old, who they are assuming won’t be plying his trade at the Johan Cruyff Arena next term.
Brighton plan with Caicedo funds
Chelsea could play a crucial role in Brighton getting the jump over the Blues and Arsenal in the race for Mohammed Kudus.
The Seagulls aren’t actively chasing the Ajax star but if Chelsea match their £100million asking price for Caicedo, they will be a club to “keep any eye” on in the battle for Kudus’ signature, as per transfer guru Fabrizio Romano
Mikel Arteta plan
The Independent have now reported that Arsenal may need to sell some players before they can make any additional purchases this window after spending in excess of £200million to recruit Declan Rice, Jurrien Timber and Kai Havertz earlier in the window.
The report goes on to add that Gunners boss Mikel Arteta may still make a move for Southampton’s Romeo Lavia if he can first offload young forward Folarin Balogun for a significant fee. However, the Spaniard is said to favour a move for Kudus instead due to his current plan for the north London club’s midfield.
Ajax chief provides Kudus update
Arsenal and Chelsea have been sent a major Mohammed Kudus transfer update by Ajax sporting director Sven Mislintat.
“There are clubs that have informally enquired about him,” he told Ajax Life, via Metro. “I don’t expect an offer very soon, although you know that things can be different in the football world. Perhaps the interest is not as serious as everyone thinks.”
Speaking to Aglemeen Dagblad, he added: “There is no fixed deadline, but there are agreements we must have to get replacements if we have not already done so proactively.
“The best thing for if Kudus and (Edson) Alvarez stay, then we keep two top players. But it is also possible that one goes, or both.” Kudus’ current price tag stands at £40million but the former Arsenal head of recruitment has hinted the Dutch club’s valuation may increase as the summer window elapses.
“It is important for us that the relationship with the players remains good. This can be done by being transparent and applying good principles. As we get closer to the deadline, the transfer fee, for example, goes up.”
Chelsea lead race over Arsenal
Arsenal and Chelsea are both keen on signing Ajax midfielder Mohammed Kudus – but the Gunners are at risk of being priced out of a deal for the 22-year-old. A report from The Independent has stated the Gunners are looking to sign another midfielder and a right-back before the transfer window closes.
deal for the 22-year-old. A report from The Independent has stated the Gunners are looking to sign another midfielder and a right-back before the transfer window closes.
Kudus fits the profile Arsenal are looking for due to his versatility in being able to play as a winger, centre-forward and central midfielder. While the £40million fee Ajax want may represent a bargain price for the highly-rated Ghana international, Arsenal are currently unable to meet that price following their early summer spending.
The Blues have raised over £220million through player sales this summer and Pochettino is now hoping to add reinforcements ahead of their season opener against Liverpool on Sunday, August 13. The Independent’s report adds that Chelsea have been in a position to offer more clarity on a price to Ajax and potential wages for Kudus – seeing them move ahead of Arsenal at this stage of negotiations.
Kudus misses Ajax training
As speculation continues to circulate regarding Kudus’ future, the 22-year-old has now been absent from Ajax training due to a minor injury. The Dutch outfit released a statement which read: “Kudus is absent from training for medical reasons. He stayed indoors and received treatment for a minor injury.”
This could be a tactic from Kudus to push through a move to the Premier League following interest from Chelsea and Arsenal. However, it is more than likely as Ajax’s statement stated with the player expected to quickly return to action after receiving treatment for a minor issue.
Personal terms agreement ‘close’
CBS reporter Ben Jacobs has reported that the west Londoners are ‘close’ to agreeing personal terms with the 22-year-old as they look to beat Arsenal to his signature. Chelsea are also considering moving for Rayan Cherki of Lyon after already making contact with the youngster over a possible move this summer.
Chelsea move ‘sounded out’
Mauricio Pochettino is looking to add midfielders to his squad ahead of the new season with Mohammed Kudus as the latest target.
London rivals Arsenal are also interested, but Chelsea appear to have the edge having now sounded out Ajax over making a possible move for the Ghana international, football.london understands.
Personal stance
Mohammed Kudus is keen to leave Ajax this summer and will likely embark on a new challenge in the Premier League with Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool all interested.
Therefore, it is understood that agreeing personal terms with Kudus, who sees his contract expire in the Netherlands in 2025, will not be an issue.
Chelsea hijack
Chelsea have now entered the race to sign Kudus, as per transfer guru David Ornstein of the Athletic.
Writing on Twitter, Ornstein said: “EXCL: Chelsea have made contact with Ajax to express interest in signing Mohammed Kudus. No offer yet but dialogue has taken place.
Henry verdict
Last season, he impressed in the UEFA Champions League, netting four goals and providing a further two assists during the group stages.
A goal against Liverpool caught the eye of Arsenal icon Thierry Henry. Speaking about Kudus’ finish against the Reds, Henry told CBS Sports “He came from the Academy Right to Dream from Ghana and he is living the dream.
“Take a bow son, what a finish from Kudus!”
Edu eyes £40m Ajax deal
Arsenal are interested in Ajax’s £40million-rated midfielder Mohammed Kudus but are focusing on trimming Mikel Arteta’s squad before adding to their £200m recruitment spree, according to Mail Sport.
Arsenal sporting director Edu will now turn his attention to outgoings with Kieran Tierney, Cedric Soares, Nicolas Pepe, Albert Lokonga, Nuno Tavares and Rob Holding among those attracting interest that could tempt Arsenal in selling.
Arsenal are not ruling out further arrivals this summer with Ghana international Kudus among the players interesting the Gunners. The 22-year-old can play in a conventional central midfield role, in a move advanced position or even on the right wing.
Agent confirms exit wish
Arsenal have been handed a huge boost towards the signing of Kudus. As the queue for his signature gets longer, his agent has issued an update.
As quoted by Dutch publication De Telegraaf, Jennifer Mendelewitsch confirmed that now is the right time for the Ghanaian to leave Ajax. She said: “I think it is best for both Ajax and Mohammed that he makes a transfer now.
“Now is the right time. He has ignored a proposal to extend his contract until the summer of 2026. What I can say is that after the World Cup and this season there is a lot of interest in Kudus.”
Ajax stance
Kudus has rejected a one-year contract extension from Ajax, according to the Athletic.
The Ghana international’s current deal with the Dutch giants is set to expire in the summer of 2025 and he has made the club aware that his intention it to leave the club this summer. Ajax are expected to demand a fee in the region of £40million for the talented playmaker, with Arsenal, Manchester United and Newcastle United all named as potential destinations.
Kudus profiled
Kudus has established himself as one of Eredivisie’s hottest prospects in recent times, enjoying a stellar 2022/23 campaign.
However, his play-style and attributes may still be relatively unknown to some so football.london has taken a detailed look at his game and what he would bring to Arsenal if he were to sign.
Partey influence
Ghana SoccerNet reported back in November 2022 that Arsenal are confident they can win the race to sign Kudus thanks to Gunners midfielder Thomas Partey.
It is claimed that they see Kudus’ international teammate Partey as the man to convince the 22-year-old to join Mikel Arteta’s side. The goes on to say that the north Londoners used the same approach with Bukayo Saka when they recruited Aaron Ramsdale two years ago.
Source: Football.london
