West Ham have rejected an “initial enquiry” from Arsenal for Mohammed Kudus, according to reports.
The Ghanaian international has already been the subject of interest from Chelsea but Claret & Hugh claim that the Gunners have also made an approach, which was worth around £50m.
However, the Hammers deemed their offer to be too far below their asking price for Kudus, who has an £85m release clause in his contract.
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That buyout fee is only active for the first 10 days of July so Graham Potter’s side are well within their rights to reject other proposals until then.
West Ham have already turned down Chelsea
There has been conflicting reports about whether the Blues did lodge a formal offer for Kudus last week. Some have suggested that Enzo Maresca’s team tabled a part-exchange proposal involving Robert Sanchez and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall.
Others have claimed that only informal talks were held where different formulas were proposed involving Kudus. As things stand, no side has had a bid accepted.
Kudus’s sale would raise much-needed funds
Claret & Hugh report that the Irons are holding out for a “cash bid” and that makes sense considering their current financial situation. Several sources close to the club have made it clear that West Ham need to sell before they buy this summer.
It means getting the most for Kudus is the top priority. He is the most saleable asset in the squad, and it seems that several teams are hoping to secure his signature.
Some may argue that £50m is a more than reasonable amount for a player who struggled with his form last season. It remains to be seen whether the likes of Arsenal and Chelsea will return with improved offers.
In other news, West Ham have identified a potential replacement for Kudus and he may only cost £18.5m