Arsenal handed major Mohammed Kudus transfer advantage with £35m Chelsea bid

Arsenal could be about to take a huge step in their hopes of signing Ajax star Mohammed Kudus this summer. The Gunners are said to be interested in a move for the playmaker to bolster Mikel Arteta’s options in attack, though they aren’t alone.

Premier League rivals Chelsea are also eyeing up a move for the 22-year-old, with reports from The Athletic claiming the Blues have made contact with Ajax over a possible move.

Kudus has established himself as one of Europe’s most exciting youngsters since his €9million (£7.7m) move from Danish side FC Nordsjaelland in 2020. He has scored 23 goals and assisted a further 11 in 84 appearances for Ajax, earning recognition through his performances for club and country.

Predominantly operating as a centre-forward or a right-winger, Kudus is more than capable of taking up the No.10 position or even an eight. His versatility makes him an attractive asset for Arsenal at around £40million.

Competition from Chelsea has meant the Gunners could find themselves in yet another bidding war with their London rivals. Back in January, Arteta missed out on Mykhailo Mudryk, despite months of speculation, after the Blues swooped in and met Shakhtar Donetsk’s asking price.

However, Chelsea seem to be moving fast to add to Mauricio Pochettino’s options in the final third. According to a report from RMC Sport, a bid close to £35million has been submitted for Crystal Palace wonderkid Michael Olise.

Personal terms and an agreement on a fee are yet to be resolved, though a move for Olise may leave the pathway clear for Arsenal to sign Kudus.

Adding Kudus to Arteta’s options in attack follows the strategy demonstrated over the past couple of years in north London of investing in versatile players. This summer’s arrivals – Kai Havertz, Jurrien Timber and Declan Rice – are all capable of playing in a variety of positions.

The idea behind the policy is to have as many options as possible when the scenario presents itself. While Kudus fits the bill perfectly, his lack of Premier League experience does mean his arrival would provide a risk element and certainly be an issue the club are aware of.