Arsenal have been handed a boost in signing Ajax attacker Mohammed Kudus after Brighton & Hove Albion failed to agree personal terms over a 48 hour deadline.
The Seagulls recently finalised a deal worth €40 million to sign the Ghanaian star. It was reported that the 23-year-old was close to accepting a long-term deal.
However, that has not been the case. Ajax handed a 48 hour deadline for Brighton to agree terms with Kudus, and they have been unsuccessful in doing so.
Ajax are now back in control over his future. However, the Dutch outfit are unlikely to cooperate easily and with each passing day, his price tag will increase.
Arsenal handed big boost in Kudus pursuit
The Gunners are currently considering the sale of Folarin Balogun. Monaco are the most interested club in the USA international and they are planning a fresh proposal.
Mikel Arteta’s side recently turned down a €40m offer from Monaco for the 22-year-old, but the Ligue 1 outfit are prepared to make an improved bid in the coming days.
In our view, the Gunners could sanction Balogun’s exit in the near future to concentrate on Kudus, who has been identified as a target to bolster the attack further.
The Ghana international was in fine form for Ajax last term with 18 goals and seven assists. He averaged a goal contribution in every 107 minutes for the Dutch heavyweights.
Kudus started off his Ajax career as a defensive or a central midfielder, but over the past year, he has mostly operated from the right wing or as a centre-forward.
His versatility ability would perfect suit the Gunners manager. Kudus could primarily be seen as a back-up option off the bench for Bukayo Saka in the coming season.
In our opinion, Arsenal should speed up Balogun’s departure such that they can recoup funds for Kudus.
Ajax are tough negotiators towards the end of transfer windows. The Gunners may have to pay a higher fee than the €40m figure previously agreed by Brighton.
