Transfer Centre

Arsenal, Chelsea interested in West Ham United forward Mohammed Kudus?

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter | 16 February 2024

Arsenal, Chelsea interested in Mohammed Kudus?

Arsenal and Chelsea are allegedly contemplating whether to make a move for West Ham United forward Mohammed Kudus during the summer transfer window.

West Ham United forward Mohammed Kudus has allegedly emerged as a potential transfer target for Arsenal and Chelsea.

Kudus is currently in his first season at the London Stadium having arrived from Ajax in a deal that could eventually reach €44.5m.

The Hammers will currently be satisfied with their investment, a consequence of the 23-year-old having contributed 10 goals and one assist from his 27 appearances in all competitions.

With a contract until 2028, the Ghana international is tied to West Ham in the long term and seems set to play a part in the final third for years to come.

Nevertheless, West Ham are currently going through a period of uncertainty, a consequence of their recent poor form and David Moyes's contract being due to expire at the end of the campaign.

West Ham United manager David Moyes applauds fans after the match on January 2, 2024 © Reuters

Should the Scot remain in East London, he will naturally want to retain the services of Kudus, yet much may depend on whether West Ham are able to qualify for European football.

As it stands, West Ham are in the last 16 of the Europa League, but they have recently dropped down to eighth position in the Premier League standings at a time when FFP issues impacted on their efforts to strengthen their squad in January.

According to Fichajes, Arsenal and Chelsea are each monitoring the situation ahead of reigniting their interest in Kudus.

Both teams held an interest before Kudus eventually signed for West Ham and would expect their London rivals to demand to make a profit on one of their key men.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta pictured on January 7, 2024 © Reuters

However, both the Gunners and Blues are in a position where they must first generate funds to push through such a big-money deal during the summer transfer window.

Chelsea's situation is the most concerning of the two, it having already been claimed that sales must be made before June 30 - the date for the next accounts to be filed - in order to pass the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability rules.

Nevertheless, Mikel Arteta and Mauricio Pochettino - should they each remain in their respective roles - hold a desire to strengthen in the final third during the summer.

Both managers are already blessed with versatile attacking players and Kudus would only add to that having been used across West Ham's frontline during 2023-24.