Arsenal have stepped up their pursuit of the £38m Premier League star, with reports suggesting the Gunners have opened talks with the player
Image credit: Getty Images
Arsenal have stepped up their pursuit of West Ham United star Mohamed Kudus, with fresh reports suggesting the Gunners have opened talks to bring the Ghana international to the Emirates this summer.
According to FootballTransfers, Arsenal have initiated discussions with West Ham as they look to negotiate a deal for the versatile 24-year-old attacker, who is protected by an £84 million release clause.
Kudus joined the Hammers from Ajax in August 2023 in a £38 million deal and quickly became one of the club’s standout performers. Despite West Ham’s underwhelming season, which saw them finish 14th in the Premier League under managers Julen Lopetegui and Graham Potter, Kudus managed to tally 17 goals and 18 assists across 59 appearances. However, his output dipped in the most recent campaign, with just five goals and three assists, prompting speculation over his future.
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Arsenal have long admired Kudus, having previously been linked with a move while he was at Ajax in 2023. Though they fell short of meeting his £40 million valuation at the time, Mikel Arteta remains keen on the Ghanaian as he seeks to bolster his attacking options, particularly following Bukayo Saka’s recent injury struggles.
Mohammed Kudus (Image credit: Getty Images)
Kudus’s pace, flair, and versatility, able to play on either wing or in a central attacking role, make him an attractive fit for Arteta’s system. Despite West Ham’s struggles, Kudus maintained solid underlying metrics, ranking eighth in the Premier League for take-ons leading to shots, with 15, according to FBref.
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Arsenal are reportedly aiming to strike a deal in the region of €55–60 million (£46–50 million), well below the £85 million release clause, which only becomes active in July 2025. West Ham, however, are said to be standing firm on their valuation.
In January, Fichajes reported that the Hammers demanded €120 million for Kudus, matching their record sale of Declan Rice, a figure that ultimately deterred Arsenal.
The Gunners are not alone in the race. Liverpool, Manchester City, and Newcastle have also shown interest, though Arsenal could hold the advantage. Last year, the player reportedly turned down Chelsea in favour of a potential Arsenal move, although no transfer materialised.