West Ham United have now entered the race to sign Ajax star Mohammed Kudus, who was previously linked with Arsenal in the transfer window.
The 22-year-old has been targeted by a number of clubs including Chelsea and Brighton, and is admired by Mikel Arteta.
However, a deal now seems unlikely given that West Ham have also registered a strong interest in the Ghana international. Arsenal may have seen Kudus as a versatile talent who could provide cover for Bukayo Saka on the right wing.
Fabrizio Romano has now revealed that West Ham will move for Kudus should Lucas Paqueta depart for Manchester City, and following the sale of Declan Rice to Arsenal, the Hammers have enough funds to complete a move for Kudus.
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Should Arsenal sign Kudus?
There now appears to be a battle to sign the versatile attacker, who can also play in midfield and on the wings, and it is currently unclear if Arsenal will make a formal offer.
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Given the heavy spending so far this summer, as well as the current size of the squad, Arsenal have to focus on sales before making any more additions.
Arteta already has Reiss Nelson, Leandro Trossard and Emile Smith Rowe as wide options behind Saka and Gabriel Martinelli, whilst Gabriel Jesus, Eddie Nketiah and Fabio Vieira can all also play on the wings if needed.
There would be little space for Kudus in the squad right now, and given the other interest in him, Arsenal may have to sit this one out. Although a talented player, who has been described as “technical” by Dutch legend Marco van Basten, he is a player who will likely want to play regularly, and Arsenal cannot offer that right now.
It seems unlikely that there will be any further incomings this window once David Raya’s move is confirmed, and the main focus will shift to sales.