Mikel Arteta will reportedly need to trim down his squad before Arsenal can launch a bid to sign Mohammed Kudus this summer. The 22-year-old midfielder has been heavily linked with a move to the Premier League following his eye-catching performances for Ajax.
Kudus, who sees his contract at the Johan Cruyff Arena expire in 2025, featured 30 times for John Heitinga's side in the Eredivisie last season, chalking up 11 goals and four assists. The Ghana international's impressive displays have reportedly courted the interest of numerous top clubs across Europe, with the Gunners being one.
According to the Daily Mail, Arsenal are interested in Kudus, whose versatility is viewed as a 'particularly attractive' quality to the club's recruitment staff. The Ghanaian has predominantly operated as a centre-forward or a right-winger for the Dutch outfit, but he's been known to play as an attacking midfield and even eight at times.
The report states that Kudus is also of interest to Brighton, but his desire to continue playing in the Champions League and fight for the Premier League title could emerge as a deciding factor. While Arsenal may seem well-positioned to secure his signature, the Daily Mail add that the club need to sell some players before any more additions can be made.
In fact, it's said that Edu has made six stars available for transfer this summer; Kieran Tierney; Cedric Soares; Nicolas Pepe; Albert Lokonga; Nuno Tavares; Rob Holding. According to the CIES Football Observatory, the six aforementioned players are worth a combined £68.2million which could be more than enough to acquire Kudus, who's valued at £52million.
Earlier this year, Jennifer Mendelewitsch – the Ajax star's agent – confirmed that now is the right time for the Ghanaian to leave Amsterdam. As quoted by Dutch publication De Telegraaf, she said: "I think it is best for both Ajax and Mohammed that he makes a transfer now. Now is the right time.
"He has ignored a proposal to extend his contract until the summer of 2026. What I can say is that after the World Cup and this season there is a lot of interest in Kudus."
READ MORE:Arsenal news and transfers LIVE: 'Done deal', Kudus swoop, Raphinha twist, Thomas Partey move
If Arsenal do manage to get their hands on Kudus then they could be signing a winger better than Antony for a fraction of the price. Speaking on Ziggo Sport, Marco Van Basten said: "I find Mohammed Kudus a much better football player than Antony.
"Antony has his skills, but he is confused with the things he is trying to do! Kudus has much better technique and he knows what he is doing. Antony may be faster, but Kudus is smarter and more technical.
"He is much more of a footballer, you can place him anywhere on the pitch, an all-rounder for the team." The Dutch great then added: "In fact, I like him much better than Antony. He’s more fun to watch play."
Which of the following rising stars would you promote or send out on loan? Swipe to have your say...