Ajax midfielder Mohammed Kudus, 23, is garnering substantial interest from several Premier League clubs, such as Arsenal, Chelsea, Brighton, and West Ham.
Starting the 2023/24 season with Ajax, Kudus appears to be nearing a move to the English Premier League.
According to The Athletic, West Ham United is close to finalizing a deal with Ajax for Kudus, involving a transfer fee of €41.5 million (£35.4 million) upfront, with potential add-ons of €3 million (£2.6 million).
Additionally, the agreement includes a 10 percent sell-on clause.
Kudus is anticipated to sign a five-year contract with West Ham, indicating the club’s ambition to enhance their squad with versatile and talented players to boost their Premier League performance.
Pepe Exit Talks
Nicolas Pepe, who joined Arsenal in 2019 for a then club-record fee of £72 million, is among several players the club aims to offload before the summer transfer window closes on September 1.
Other players Arsenal hopes to sell include Folarin Balogun, Kieran Tierney, Rob Holding, Albert Sambi Lokonga, Cedric Soares, and Nuno Tavares.
Despite showing interest, Besiktas offered Pepe a three-year contract, which he declined, putting Arsenal in a difficult position regarding his future.
Amidst rumors of a potential contract termination, Pepe continues to train at London Colney, with some fans advocating for him to get another chance at the club, though this seems unlikely.
According to RMC journalist Fabrice Hawkins, an unnamed Saudi Arabian club is now interested in Pepe, with Arsenal negotiating a transfer fee with this club.
This potential move to Saudi Arabia could offer financial relief for Arsenal and a fresh start for Pepe.
Balogun Message
Tottenham Hotspur has unexpectedly emerged as a potential destination for Arsenal forward Folarin Balogun, sparking considerable debate among fans and pundits.
Former Arsenal midfielder Emmanuel Petit discussed the situation, explaining why Arsenal might consider this move despite the rivalry.
Speaking to BettingSites.co.uk, Petit acknowledged that selling Balogun to Tottenham would be a significant blow to Arsenal.
However, he noted that it is clear Arsenal wants to offload him.
Petit stressed that Balogun needs regular playing time to develop into a top striker, and if Tottenham offers him that opportunity, the move should not be dismissed.
He stated, “Balogun to Tottenham would be a blow for Arsenal, but you have a feeling that Arsenal want to sell him.
If he wants to return to the Premier League and join Tottenham, then he is free to do it.
I think the fans understand the situation.
He is at a point in his life where he needs to go to a club to help him progress step by step to become a powerful striker.
He has shown some very good qualities with Arsenal and I can understand that many clubs are trying to sign him.
If he goes to Tottenham, then that’s the way it is.
This is the business if Arsenal do not want to hold him. But he could stay at Arsenal too.
If Arsenal don’t want to keep him, why should people be upset if he goes to Tottenham?” Petit’s comments highlight a pragmatic approach that Arsenal should consider regarding Balogun’s future, focusing on what is best for Balogun’s career and Arsenal’s strategic plans, despite the emotional aspect of potentially moving to a direct rival.