Ajax star Mohammed Kudus is attracting interest from Chelsea and Arsenal in the summer transfer window. The Ghana international has two years left on his current contract with the Dutch giants and almost joined Everton last year.
Kudus has established himself as one of the Eredivisie’s most talented youngsters in recent seasons. The 22-year-old’s versatility and impressive talent has not gone unnoticed, with both London clubs set to battle for his signature.
Ajax are said to value Kudus at around £40m and the Ghanaian playmaker is believed to be open to leaving the club this summer. With that said, soccer.london takes a look at the latest news surrounding the future of the 22-year-old.
Kudus misses Ajax training
As speculation continues to circulate about Kudus’ future, the 22-year-old has now been absent from Ajax training due to a minor injury. That Dutch outfit released a statement that read: “Kudus is absent from training for medical reasons. He remained indoors receiving treatment for a minor injury.”
This could be a tactic by Kudus to push through a move to the Premier League following interest from Chelsea and Arsenal. However, it is more than likely, Ajax’s statement said, with the player expected to return to action soon after receiving treatment for a minor problem.
Personal terms agreement ‘close’
CBS reporter Ben Jacobs have 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 a move for Ryan Cherki from Lyon, having already made contact with the youngster over a possible move this summer.
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Chelsea move ‘sounded out’
Mauricio Pochettino is looking to add midfielders to his squad ahead of the new season with Mohammed Kudus the latest target.
London rivals Arsenal are also interested, but Chelsea appear to have the upper hand having now sounded Ajax about making a possible move for the Ghana international, soccer.london understand.
Personal attitude
Mohammed Kudus is keen to leave Ajax this summer and is likely to 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 Holland in 2025, will not be a problem.
Chelsea hijack
Chelsea have now entered the race to sign Kudus, according to transfer guru David Ornstein the athletic.
Ornstein wrote on Twitter: “EXCL: Chelsea have contacted Ajax to express interest in signing Mohammed Kudus. No offer yet but dialogue has taken place.
“22-year-old attacking midfielder among options Chelsea are considering + agreement close on personal terms @TheAthleticFC #CFC #Ajax.”
Henrik’s judgment
Last season he impressed in the UEFA Champions League, scoring four goals and providing two more assists in the group stage.
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’s living the dream.
“Take a bow son, what a finish from Kudus!”
Edu eyes £40m. The Ajax Agreement
Arsenal are interested in Ajax’s £40m-rated midfielder Mohammed Kudus but are focusing on trimming Mikel Arteta’s squad before adding to their £200m signing, according to Mail Sport.
Arsenal sporting director Edu will now turn his attention to signings with Kieran Tierney, Cedric Soares, Nicolas Pepe, Albert Lokonga, Nuno Tavares and Rob Holding among those attracting interest that could tempt Arsenal to sell.
Arsenal are not ruling out further arrivals this summer with Ghanaian international Kudus among the players of interest to the Gunners. The 22-year-old can play in a conventional central midfield role, in an advanced position or even on the right wing.
Agent confirms departure wish
Arsenal have received a huge boost towards the purchase of Kudus. As the queue for his signature grows longer, his agent has issued an update.
As quoted by Dutch publication The telegraph, 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 attitude
Kudus has rejected a one-year contract extension from Ajax, according to the athletic.
The Ghana international’s current deal with the Dutch giants expires in the summer of 2025 and he has informed the club of his intention 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 the Eredivisie’s hottest prospects in recent times and is enjoying a fantastic 2022/23 campaign.
But his playing style and attributes may still be relatively unknown to some soccer.london have taken a detailed look at his game and what he would bring to Arsenal should he sign.
Read more HERE .
Party influence
Ghana Football Network 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 team-mate Partey as the man to convince the 22-year-old to join Mikel Arteta’s side. It goes on to say that the north Londoners used the same approach with Bukayo Saka when they recruited Aaron Ramsdale two years ago.
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