Arsenal and Chelsea have reportedly been told target Mohammed Kudus would jump at the chance to join rival Manchester United this summer if the opportunity arises.
According to Dutch football journalist Marcel van der Kraan (via Sky Sports), Arsenal and Chelsea target Mohammed Kudus “would jump at” the chance to reunite with his old boss Erik ten Hag at Manchester United.
The 22-year-old versatile attacking midfielder has certainly attracted plenty of interest with his performances for the Dutch giants last term, where he really burst onto the scene and became a top-tier talent after years of potential. Despite his side only coming third in last season’s Eredivisie, Kudus shone with 18 goals and seven assists in 42 games in all competitions for Ajax.
This included an impressive four goals and two assists in six Champions League encounters. All of this output came despite playing in several different positions. He is a hugely exciting player, and his versatility would be a huge benefit for whoever is willing to splash the cash on him.
The Ghanaian forward is under contract at the Johan Cruyff Arena until 2025, but he rejected a new deal in April and seems to be plotting a way out of Ajax before the start of the 2023/24 season amid strong interest from several top Premier League clubs. Kudus has not trained in the last four days as his future continues to hit the headlines.
Van der Kraan has suggested the player wants to move to the Premier League and has told Ajax directly that he seeks a new challenge this summer. Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United, and Brighton have all been linked with moves for the Ajax ace.
The Gunners, for one, are keen on the player, who could easily interchange with much of their front four. However, they are not looking for additional recruits up front after the arrivals of Jurrien Timber, Declan Rice, and Kai Havertz and appear set to begin attempting to trim down their squad.
The West Londoners, on the other hand, are better positioned to make a swoop now, having raised funds worth over £220 million through player sales this summer. Indeed, according to The Athletic’s David Ornstein, Kudus has been in close talks with the Blues, and apparently, the attacking midfielder is very close to agreeing personal terms over a move to Stamford Bridge.
However, Manchester United could overtake all of their rival suitors should Erik ten Hag opt to pursue a deal thanks to their close personal relationship from their time together in Amsterdam.
Ten Hag was actually in charge of Ajax when Kudus made the £8 million switch to Amsterdam from Danish side FC Nordsjaelland in 2020, and he remains a firm admirer of the Ghana international.
That being said, they are currently prioritising the arrival of Atalanta forward Rasmus Hojlund, who favours a move to Old Trafford over joining Paris Saint-Germain, and there is hope an agreement can be struck soon as Ten Hag is eager to land the 20-year-old.
However, it’s also being reported that the Red Devils will consider alternatives if priced out of a move and may not go for a natural No. 9 profile, which makes Kudus a viable target. Kudus is expected to be available for around £40 million this summer, and the race for his signature is expected to ramp up in the coming weeks.
