Transfer insider Ben Jacobs has detailed how Chelsea have an “outside chance” of signing Mohammed Kudus, due to the fact West Ham “have failed to agree a fee” for him so far.
The Blues have remained on the lookout for attacking reinforcements despite the fact they have signed four players who operate in attacking areas so far this summer. However, one of those – Christopher Nkunku – is out for months with an injury.
Michael Olise was a top target, and the Blues triggered his release clause, only for him to sign a new contract with Crystal Palace instead, the Eagles’ complaint about Chelsea tapping him up doing some work in that move.
Now, Chelsea could pounce on West Ham’s move for Kudus, with transfer insider Jacobs suggesting that’s possible as the Hammers are yet to agree a feee for the star attacker.
“With Christopher Nkunku sidelined and Armando Broja returning from an ACL injury, Chelsea would ideally like another striker, but it’s about finding the right profile, and whether that’s a traditional No.9 or just a creative-minded attacker,” Jacobs told the Daily Briefing.
“If the former, Broja is going to feel pushed down the pecking order. Brennan Johnson and Bradley Barcola are two to watch, and there’s still an outside chance of Mohammed Kudus, who West Ham have failed to date to agree a deal for.”
Kudus might be higher on Chelsea’s list now, after Fabrizio Romano revealed they have left negotiations for Johnson. He stated the Blues are ‘looking at different options’ and perhaps Kudus is one of those.
Romano reiterated separately that West Ham’s attempts to move for Kudus are going nowhere at the moment.
He stated their bid of approximately £36million – which was higher than a Brighton bid which was accepted before the deal collapsed – was turned down immediately.
With the financial might of Chelsea, they’d surely be able to muster up a bid higher than what West Ham can, which could see them skip ahead of their London rivals in the queue for the Ajax attacker.
They hijacked Arsenal’s move for Mykhaylo Mudryk in January, and have also signed two players Liverpool wanted recently – though they both clearly preferred to move to Stamford Bridge – so it wouldn’t be a surprise if they attempted to pounce for Kudus.
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