Chelsea ‘make contact’ with 22-year-old Arsenal target as they look to steal march on Gunners

Chelsea have made contact with Ajax over a potential move for impressive Ghanaian Mohammed Kudus as they look to beat Arsenal to the signing of the 22-year-old this summer.

The 22-year-old is widely expected to depart Amsterdam this summer, and had been in talks with Brighton over a move to the Premier League earlier in the summer.

Available for a fee of around £40m, he is an attractive option for plenty of clubs and is able to play a variety of positions across midfield and attack.

The Daily Mail reported that ‘his versatility is known to be particularly attractive to Arsenal’s recruitment staff’, and he could help provide cover for Bukayo Saka, who started 37 of Arsenal’s 38 Premier League games last season.

However, it is Mauricio Pochettino’s side that have begun negotiations for the star.

According to the Athletic, Chelsea ‘are yet to submit an offer to their Dutch counterparts, but initial dialogue has taken place’ over signing the star, while Lyon’s Rayan Cherki is also thought to be another option as they look to bolster their attacking ranks.

They add that ‘an agreement with the Ghana international on personal terms is close’ for Kudus, who is down to the final two years of his contract with Ajax and has refused to pen fresh terms with the Eredivisie side.

It is unclear whether competition from the Blues will force Arsenal and other interested parties into action, with the Ghanaian not thought to be short of suitors this summer.

Arsenal have already spent significant sums since the season ended, splashing out over £200m on Declan Rice, Kai Havertz and fellow Ajax talent Jurrien Timber

Read more:

Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino reveals star ‘is going to continue with us’ amid Premier League interest

New Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes reveals what Harry Maguire told him following switch