Mohammed Kudus missed Ajax training amid interest from Chelsea and Arsenal.
According to journalist Ben Jacobs, Chelsea are close to agreeing terms with Ajax for Kudus, while Arsenal are also interested in the Ghana international.
In his Caught Offside column, Jacobs said while Chelsea are ahead in the race for Kudus, Arsenal’s interest is genuine.
However, the Gunners need to sell before they can buy, having already invested over £200million into bringing in Declan Rice, Jurrien Timber and Kai Havertz.
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Kudus is under contract at Ajax until 2025, but already rejected a one-year extension back in April in the hope of leaving the Amsterdam club this summer.
Indeed, the 22-year-old posted a cryptic Instagram story on Tuesday morning of the lyrics to a song titled ‘Lonely at the Top’, written by Nigerian singer Asake.
The song may potentially be in reference to the fact no concrete bids have gone in for the midfielder yet.
Kudus misses training
According to Voetbal International journalist Reon Boeringa, Kudus did not train with the Ajax squad on Tuesday.
However, his absence is not due to an impending transfer, but instead reportedly because of a “minor” injury complaint, which he does not want to aggravate on the training pitch.
Of course, at present Kudus’ departure does not appear to be imminent.
While he is clearly a Chelsea target, along with Gabri Veiga, a move for either player may hinge on Conor Gallagher leaving Stamford Bridge, according to Jacobs.
“Chelsea have registered their interest in Ajax midfielder Mohammed Kudus and are even close to agreeing personal terms. But no offer has been placed yet,” Jacobs said.
“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."
Jacobs added: “The Arsenal interest 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.
“I think if Chelsea sell Conor Gallagher they will move quickly for an attack-minded midfielder. West Ham have seen a bid rejected for Gallagher for around £40m. He has got plenty of minutes in pre-season under Mauricio Pochettino, but Chelsea will sell if the price is right.”
Chris Byfield