West Ham’s transfer future would appear—concerningly—to be in the hands of a Reading-born, German-based winger who’s unlikely to ever play for the Hammers.
If that sounds tenuous and convoluted, that’s because it is. But the player in question—Jamie Gittens—could be about to derail the Hammers’ entire transfer window.
It’s something of an open secret that West Ham must sell before we can buy this summer, and the main means of funding that business is the sale of Mohammed Kudus. So far, Kudus has rejected a move to Saudi Arabia, leaving Chelsea and Arsenal as the two most likely suitors.
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And it’s a bidding war that West Ham desperately want. Arsenal’s initial enquiry is believed to have been around £50m—far too low for the Hammers’ liking. Chelsea have been sniffing around and offering players in part exchange, but London Stadium bosses are holding out for a full cash bid.
mohammed kudus : more goals expected tomorrow
Kudus’ value has plummeted following West Ham’s poor season
Unfortunately, Chelsea appear to have had their heads turned, now pursuing Borussia Dortmund winger Jamie Gittens instead.
Sky Sports report that an initial £30m Chelsea bid for Gittens has already been rejected by the Bundesliga club, who are thought to be holding out for £40-50m. Negotiations are ongoing, and a new bid from the Blues is expected.
If that deal goes through, Chelsea are unlikely to continue their interest in Kudus—leaving Arsenal as the sole remaining option. That would put West Ham in the unenviable position of having to sell a prized asset at a bargain price just to kick-start our own summer business.
And let’s be honest, the sight of both Declan Rice and Mohammed Kudus in Arsenal shirts while West Ham get labelled a Gunners feeder club… that could be too much to bear.