Mauricio Pochettino appears to have already lined up a replacement for Kai Havertz, who looks set to join Arsenal this summer. The 24-year-old forward has been heavily linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium recently, with Mikel Arteta eager to further bolster his frontline ahead of next season.
football.london understands that the Gunners could unveil Havertz as early as next week. After an opening bid was rejected last week, the north Londoners returned with an improved offer worth £60million, including £5million worth of add-ons, which Chelsea have accepted.
Subject to a medical, it's believed that the Germany international will become Arteta's first signing of the summer. While the Blues have been busy trimming down a bloated squad, Pochettino has wasted no time in finding a suitable replacement for Havertz.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Mohammed Kudus is of interest to Chelsea, but they're expected to face tough competition for his signature. The report states that the Ajax star liked by Roberto De Zerbi and he's one of the Seagulls' top targets' this summer.
Kudus, who sees his contract at the Johan Cruyff Arena Arena expire in 2025, featured 30 times for the Dutch outfit in the Eredivisie last season, directly contributing towards 14 goals. With Pochettino eager to bolster his options across the park, the 22-year-old has been identified as somebody who can operate across several positions.
He predominantly operated as a centre-forward and a right-winger last season, but he's previously been used as a ten and even an eight too. While Kudus' versatility is an huge bonus, he has an exceptional ability to glide past defenders – just like Neymar, some may say.
In an interview with The Guardian ahead of the World Cup last year, the Ghana international supposedly compared himself to the Paris Saint-Germain star. Kudus said: "He’s not better than me. He’s just a higher profile player, that’s all."
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However, the Ghanaian later hit back at The Guardian and suggested that the comment was taken out of context. On Twitter, Kudus wrote: "@neymarjr like @Thiago6 & many legends inspired us to dream. Just like @neymarjr I humbly want to inspire the next generation like they did. @guardian_sport whats the agenda ? Al focus on tomorrow. FAKE NEWS!!!!!!"
Nevertheless, Kudus has been lined up for a big move this summer by his agent. As quoted by Dutch publication De Telegraaf in May, Jennifer Mendelewitsch confirmed that now is the right time for his client to leave Ajax.
"I think it is best for both Ajax and Mohammed that he makes a transfer now. Now is the right time," said Kudus' agent. "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."
