Arsenal are set to step up their interest in West Ham winger Mohammed Kudus in the coming days, although they face competition from Tottenham for the player’s signature, Arsenal Insider understands.
Kudus endured a disappointing 2024/25 season in a dysfunctional West Ham side, netting just five goals and providing four assists across all competitions.
Despite this underwhelming form, the Ghanaian retains interest from several clubs, including the Gunners and the Lilywhites.
Arsenal have been monitoring Kudus for some time, although the prospective price tag that the Hammers have reportedly been demanding has deterred them from making a move.
However, the East London club are now willing to sanction the wide forward’s departure for a much more modest fee.
West Ham want to sell Mohammed Kudus to Arsenal or Tottenham
Arsenal want to sign a winger this summer.
Rodrygo has emerged as Arteta’s primary target after it became clear that Nico Williams only has eyes for Barcelona.
Noni Madueke has also been linked with Arsenal in the last week, although transfer expert Graeme Bailey has told Arsenal Insider that he doesn’t see a deal for the Chelsea man materialising.
“I think Madueke will be expensive,” he said.
“I don’t see him at Arsenal just because, where’s he going to play? He’s more of a right-sider. I don’t think it improves his situation personally.”
However, Bailey has revealed to Arsenal Insider that Kudus is a genuine option for the Gunners, and that West Ham are now actively looking to sell their talismanic wide man.
Kudus has an £85 million release clause, but Bailey believes a potential price will likely be in the £60-70 million range.
“I think Kudus is further ahead in their thinking [than Madueke],” he revealed.
“I think Tottenham and Arsenal will come into the Kudus situation in the coming days. So, let’s see where we go with that.
“Kudus’ release clause won’t come into the picture because no one’s paying it. West Ham want to sell him and it’ll be in the 60s. West Ham are selling because they need to raise funds.
“The release clause won’t be relevant because he’s not going to Saudi, so the Hammers know nobody’s paying that.
“The Ghanaian is attracting a lot of attention, and Arsenal are one of the ones considering him now. He’s a fascinating one with a high ceiling who the Gunners admire.”
Should Arsenal sign Mohammed Kudus this summer?
Kudus is a versatile forward who can operate across any of the front three positions.
A skilful dribbler and an explosive ball carrier, the 24-year-old would certainly add an element of unpredictability to Arsenal’s attack, helping the Gunners break down low blocks.
That said, there are question marks around Kudus’ output in the final third, and whether he produces enough value to make him worth a significant investment.
| Statistical Comparison 2024/25 (League Only) | ||
| Stat | Martinelli | Kudus |
| Appearances | 33 | 32 |
| Goals | 8 | 5 |
| Assists | 4 | 3 |
| Shots per 90 | 2.16 | 2.61 |
| Expected Goals per 90 | 0.29 | 0.24 |
| Key Passes per 90 | 1.57 | 1.08 |
| Expected Assists per 90 | 0.19 | 0.09 |
| Successful Take-ons per 90 | 1.3 | 3.19 |
| Progressive Carries per 90 | 4.88 | 3.4 |
Gabriel Martinelli is lambasted for his ineffectiveness in the box at times, but the Brazilian contributed to four more goals than his West Ham counterpart in the league last season, in exactly 300 minutes fewer.
Kudus was, of course, operating in a much weaker team, but there aren’t necessarily indications that his output will get to the level that you’d want from a player costing in excess of £60 million.
His underlying numbers are somewhat mediocre, and thus, the Gunners should probably avoid splashing a huge portion of their budget on the player this summer.
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