It would be fair to say that, so far, this season has not entirely gone to plan for Arsenal.
There was a general belief among fans and pundits alike that Mikel Arteta's side would once again be battling it out at the very top of the Premier League table, but as things stand, they are six points off leaders Liverpool, who have a game in hand.
There are a number of reasons for the Gunners' downturn in form this season, but a big one is their faltering attack, which has seen them score just the fifth most goals in the league thus far.
Premier League top scorers
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So, recent reports suggesting the club could pull off a Declan Rice-esque signing for a player who'd help Kai Havertz get even better should excite fans.
Arsenal transfer news
According to a recent report from Spain, Arsenal are one of several sides keen on signing West Ham United star Mohammed Kudus.
Mohammed Kudus celebrates for West Ham
Alongside the Gunners, the report has revealed that fellow Premier League clubs Newcastle United and Liverpool are interested in securing the Ghanaian's services in 2025.
Unfortunately, the extra competition isn't the only obstacle the North Londoners will have to overcome to get their man, as the report claims that the Hammers will demand a fee of at least £90m to sell the incredible attacker next month.
West Ham United winger Mohammed Kudus
It would be a complicated and extraordinarily costly transfer to get over the line, but given Kudus' unreal ability, it is one well worth pursuing, especially as he could help Havertz get even better.
Why Kudus would be a Rice repeat and make Havertz better
So, first things first, why would signing Kudus next month be a Rice repeat?
Declan Rice and Jarrod Bowen for West Ham
Simply put, it would be the second time in just a few years that Arsenal would be spending a massive amount of money to sign arguably West Ham's best and most important player.
With that said, why would the former Ajax ace be an excellent signing for Havertz? There are two reasons for this, and the first is his output.
While the 24-year-old superstar hasn't been at his very best this year, racking up four goal involvements in 13 appearances, he was incredible last season.
In just 45 appearances for an Irons side that finished in ninth place, the "sensational" attacker, as dubbed by reporter Kathryn Batte, racked up an outrageously impressive tally of 14 goals and six assists and did so playing across the entire frontline.
Kudus' West Ham record
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Assists
Goal Involvements per Match
Minutes per Goal Involvement
All Stats via Transfermarkt
Therefore, if Arteta was able to get his hands on him next month, he could start him out on the left, safe in the knowledge that he'd be able to both create chances for the German international and put away the chances he'd create for him.
The second reason the Accra-born gem would be a great signing for the former Chelsea ace is related to the first, and that is the space he'd open up for teammates.
Kudus-fbref-stats
Just think about it: at the moment, teams are not particularly afraid of the Gunners' left-wing options and, as such, they can focus more on stifling those on the right and down the middle.
However, with the unbelievable international barreling down the left wing, opposing defenders would be forced to focus on the North Londoners' entire frontline, which in turn should open up more space to exploit for the likes of Havertz and Bukayo Saka.
Leandro-Trossard-Arsenal-Kudus
Ultimately, while signing Kudus will be incredibly expensive, his impact on the Gunners' attack would more than justify the outlay, so Arteta and Co should do what they can to secure his signature before someone else gets there first.
Arsenal-Kai-Havertz-replacement Related
[Arsenal planning offer for "insane" Kai Havertz upgrade](https://www.footballfancast.com/offer-ready-arsenal-target-insane-havertz-upgrade-in-joao-pedro/ "Arsenal planning offer for "insane" Kai Havertz upgrade")
The fantastically talented striker would be an excellent addition to Arsenal's squad.