- Brighton near completion of a £35m deal with Ajax for Mohammed Kudus.
- Arsenal, alongside Chelsea, had been keen on the Ghanaian international.
- Manchester United’s pursuit of Atalanta’s Rasmus Højlund was thought to open the door for Arsenal’s intensified interest in Kudus.
Brighton’s decisive move for Mohammed Kudus might just serve as a wake-up call for Arsenal.
After agreeing on a £35 million fee with Ajax, the Seagulls seem poised to clinch a deal for the Ghanaian international, who had previously been strongly linked with a move to Chelsea and, in particular, the Gunners.
The 23-year-old’s potential move away from Ajax comes after his decision against signing a new contract with the Dutch club.
Kudus, versatile in his play, either behind the striker or on the wings, had made his intentions clear to the Ajax hierarchy about desiring a change this summer.
His exceptional return of 11 goals and three assists in the Eredivisie last season had put him firmly on the radar of several Premier League clubs.
While Brighton seems to be leading the race, it’s worth noting Arsenal’s historical connection with the player.
With former Head of Recruitment, Sven Mislintat now at Ajax, the club’s relationship with Kudus has been a topic of discussion. Mislintat hinted that while several clubs had informally inquired about the midfielder, actual interest might not be as robust as reported.
Despite this, as the transfer deadline looms, Mislintat expects the transfer fee to escalate.
Mohammed Kudus’s desire to make a mark in the Premier League has been evident for some time. His performances with Ajax, especially in the Eredivisie where he notched up 23 goals in 84 games and won two league titles, bolster his impressive CV.
Further enhancing his profile were his performances at the World Cup for Ghana, where he netted twice in three group games.
