Chelsea have reportedly made contact with Ajax to enquire about a possible summer move for Mohammed Kudus.
Following the departures of Kai Havertz and Mason Mount to Arsenal and Manchester United, respectively, the Blues boss Mauricio Pochettino is in the market to replace them adequately in his squad. And it looks like Pochettino has a number of options in his mind to fill in the void left by Havertz and Mount.
According to The Athletic, Chelsea are close to agreeing personal terms with Ajax attacking midfielder Mohammed Kudus. They are yet to submit an official offer to Ajax for the player, but initial dialogue has taken place.
Kudus, 22, enjoyed a fantastic last season with Ajax, netting 18 goals and providing seven assists in 42 appearances in all competitions. He also scored twice for Ghana in a 3-2 win against South Korea in the group stages of the World Cup in Qatar in November.
The Ghanaian international, under contract to Ajax until 2025, rejected a one-year extension in April and is keen to leave the Dutch giants this summer.
Mohammed Kudus to Chelsea—Fantastic signing for the Blues?
N’Golo Kante, Kalidou Koulibaly, Edouard Mendy, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Kai Havertz, Mason Mount and Cesar Azpilicueta are among the names that have left Stamford Bridge this season. Chelsea have now turned their attention to the incomings in order to start the squad rebuild under Mauricio Pochettino, with Nicolas Jackson the only summer signing done so far.
While the Blues’ primary focus remains on securing the services of Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo, it appears that they are also tracking the situation of Mohammed Kudus at Ajax.
Kudus is one of Europe’s most sought-after young players because of his creativity, game intelligence, versatility and goal-scoring prowess. He can play centrally as a No.10, false 9 or in a midfield three as well as out wide, making him a valuable asset. His 25-goal contributions in 42 games for Ajax last season highlights the 22-year-old’s prolific form in the final third.
The Ghanaian international loves to dribble past his marker, link-up play with his fellow teammates in and around the box, create chances as well as finish off them. Such qualities are bound to attract any manager’s attention, and with Kudus only 22, Pochettino’s attacking unit could benefit enormously from his presence.
Having made plenty of sales this window, Chelsea do have the cash to splash on quality new players, which is certain to be music to the ears of fans who suffered so much last season. Given their struggles in terms of creativity and scoring goals, the Pensioners need a player who can waltz straight into their first XI and make an impact immediately, and Kudus’ performances for Ajax and Ghana implies he should be signed as quickly as possible.
