Arsenal have been handed a huge boost towards the signing of Mohammed Kudus. The 22-year-old maestro has been heavily linked with a move to the Premier League this summer following his eye-catching performances for Ajax.
Kudus, who sees his contract at the Johan Cruyff Arena expire in 2025, has featured 29 times for John Heitinga's side in the Eredivisie this season, chalking up 11 goals and three assists. The Ghana international's impressive displays have reportedly attracted the attention of numerous top clubs, including the Gunners, Manchester United and Newcastle.
With Mikel Arteta eager to mount another title charge next term, Kudus has been identified as somebody who can further bolster the Gunners' options in midfield and attack. While the youngster has predominantly operated as a centre-forward or a right-winger this season, he's previously been used as a ten and even an eight.
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As the queue to sign Kudus gets longer, his agent has issued an update. As quoted by Dutch publication De Telegraaf, Jennifer Mendelewitsch confirmed that now is the right time for the Ghanaian 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."
Last summer, Kudus claimed that Everton tried to sign him before a move eventually collapsed. Speaking to NOS, he said: "Everton offered me a great opportunity and I wanted to try it.
"No footballer wants to sit on the bench and neither do I. Although I understood that not everyone can play all the time, Everton seemed like a good option at the time.
"It wasn’t that I didn’t want to train [towards the end of the window], but I’m human and had to deal with a lot in a very short time. The chapter is now over and I’m still here."
With another year of development under his belt at Ajax, Marco Van Basten has insisted that Kudus would be an upgrade on Antony, who left the Dutch side for Manchester United in a deal worth an eye-watering £86million. Speaking on Ziggo Sport, the former AC Milan and Ajax striker 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."
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