West Ham’s list of potential buyers for [Mohammed Kudus](https://www.claretandhugh.info/mohammed-kudus-bio/) appears to be shrinking by the day—leaving what could become a straight shootout between Chelsea and Tottenham.
Friday’s news that Newcastle United had shifted focus to other targets has been followed by [transfer](https://www.claretandhugh.info/west-ham-transfer-news/) movement from two of the other clubs previously linked with Kudus.
Arsenal were frequently mentioned as serious contenders and were even rumoured to have made a £50 million offer. However, it now seems Mikel Arteta has turned his attention to Crystal Palace’s FA Cup hero Ebere Eze or Real Madrid’s Rodrygo.
Meanwhile, Manchester United have splashed the cash on Wolves forward Matheus Cunha and are closing in on Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo—effectively ending any immediate pursuit of Kudus.
As a result, West Ham now face a drastically reduced market for our Ghanaian star. That lack of competition could leave the club open to lowball bids, including Chelsea’s reported part-exchange proposals and Tottenham’s initial unfancied offer.
While **West Ham** had dismissed Spurs’ valuation of the 24-year-old, the lack of serious bidders may force a rethink. Unless a new contender emerges—or the players renewed Saudi interest proves genuine—the Hammers could be left with little choice but to negotiate with clubs they were hoping to avoid.
I think we’re about to see the first real test of whether the Irons board are willing to put their own money into the club.