In a recent column onThe Daily Briefing(subscription required), journalist Ben Jacobs ɾєⱱєɑłєԀ thatArsenalhave genuine interest inAjaxstarMohammed Kudusthis summer. Jacobs said,
“Chelsea have registered their interest inAjaxmidfielderMohammed Kudusand are even close to agreeing personal terms. But no offer has been placed yet.
“Kudus is one of a number of attacking midfield options, including Celta Vigo’s Gabri Veiga. He is appreciated because he can play centrally or out wide and scored 18 goals and got seven assists in all competitions last season.
“Kudus is under contract atAjaxuntil 2025 and is keen to leave. He has already rєjєƈτed a one-year extension back in April.
“TheArsenalinterest is genuine as well, although they won’t move prior to outgoings. They made contact a couple of weeks ago. Brighton are also in the race. Kudus is going to cost about £40m.”
Kudus’ Productive Season In Amsterdam
The 22-year-old experienced a fruitful season atAjaxas he produced a string of eye-catching displays for them on the attacking єɴԀ of the pitch. Kudus banged in 18 goals and earned seven assists in 42 appearances for the Dutch outfit in the previous campaign on all fronts.
The 24-time Ghana international was a consistent performer in the opposition half based on his average of 2.3 shots, 1.0 key passes and 3.0 dribbles per game in the Dutch Eredivisie. He was even careful when interchanging possession with his teammates after making 87.6% of his attempted passes in league football (stats viawhoscored).
Ajax’s Ghanaian midfielderMohammed Kudus(L) fights for the ball with NEC Nijmegen’s Dutch midfielder Dirk Prope (R) during the Dutch Eredivisie match betweenAjaxAmsterdam and NEC Nijmegen at The Johan Cruijff Arena in Amsterdam on March 5, 2023. (Photo by MAURICE VAN STEEN / ANP / AFP) / Netherlands OUT – Belgium OUT (Photo by MAURICE VAN STEEN/ANP/AFP via Getty Images)
ShouldArsenalBoss Mikel Arteta Get Kudus On Board?
Kudus is a versatile attacker who can make a few dangerous runs with the ball in the final third. He can strike the ball with venom and accuracy from long range.
The Ghana sensation can even set up a few inviting chances for his teammates up top. He is primarily an attacking midfielder but can also function as a centre-forward or as a right-winger if needed.
Kudus will no doubt enhance the quality ofArsenalhead coachMikel Arteta‘s frontline. He might even helpthe Gunnerschallenge for some major honours in the coming seasons. Hence,the North London clubshould focus on getting Kudus on board during this summer transfer window.
