Brighton consider Ajax’s Mohammed Kudus a ‘top target’ after the midfielder turned down a new contract with the Dutch club – while Chelsea have held ‘NO concrete talks’ with the player despite speculation
Brighton is reportedly considering Ajax’s Mohammed Kudus as ‘top target this summer’.
It comes as the 22-year-old, who joined the Eredivisie squad in 2020, is likely to leave the club this summer, having turned down a one-year contract extension with Ajax in April.
Several other Premier League sides, including Manchester United, Newcastle and Chelsea, were reportedly interested in the attacking midfielder, who has seemingly become unsettled with the Dutch team, particularly striking after last year’s training in an attempt to make a transfer to Everton.
But according to to Fabrizio RomanoBrighton now has a ‘concrete interest’ in the Ghanaian, who has been capped 21 times by his national side, and has made him a ‘top target this summer’, while also admitting ‘Chelsea have had no concrete talks with him . ‘
He wrote on Twitter: ‘Understand that Mohammed Kudus is one of the main targets for Brighton this summer. He is on the list, the interest is concrete. Not an easy deal, but Brighton like Kudus – no concrete talks with Chelsea.’
Mohammed Kudus (pictured) is regarded by Brighton as a ‘top target this summer’
Roberto De Zerbi wants to strengthen his selection in preparation for European football
It’s also because Alexis Mac Allister (second right) left the club for Liverpool this summer
The Italian journalist also clarified: “Brighton has not opened any talks for Teun Koopmeiners at this stage.”
Brighton are looking to replace Alexis Mac Allister, who left the club for £35 million in early June.
And Kudus, playing a similarly advanced role, could be a good addition to Roberto De Zerbi’s team as the Seagulls also prepare to lose Moises Caicedo.
Chelsea now seem more interested in signing the Ecuadorian and are preparing a new £80 million bid to sign him, which could come soon.
Todd Boehly’s side will recoup a whopping £130 million in outgoing transfers, with Kalidou Koulibaly, Cesar Azpilicueta, Matteo Kovacic, Hakim Ziyech, Edouard Mendy and Romelu Lukaku closing in on the exit and that could help them in their bid to secure Caicedo to lay, which will not come cheap.
Kudus has been impressing Ajax since joining in 2020, scoring 24 goals in 83 games
Chelsea, meanwhile, have not held any concrete talks with Kudus, but are working on a deal for Moises Caicedo and are preparing an improved offer to be submitted very soon.
Should Caicedo leave the Amex Stadium, Brighton would definitely need a few new midfielders and Kudus would be a great option.
At barely 22 years old, the Ghanaian international has already won two Eredivisie titles and a Dutch cup.
This season he played a crucial role in bringing Ajax to the top of the league. He scored 11 times in 30 appearances and also scored four goals in six Champions League matches.
But Brighton could face stiff competition from Manchester United, with Erik ten Hag previously identifying the midfielder as an exciting prospect to bring to Old Trafford.