Arsenal look set to miss out on Mohammed Kudus with Brighton and Hove Albion now closing in on the Ajax star.
Brighton and Hove Albion are pushing for a real coup with a deal now in place for Arsenal target Mohammed Kudus.
That is according to The Athletic, who claim that Brighton now have an agreement in principle with Ajax for the signing of Kudus.
It’s stated that Brighton will be paying around €40million (£34.5million) to sign Kudus – a club-record deal for the Seagulls.
The report also adds that Kudus is now close to agreeing personal terms with Brighton ahead of completing his move to the South Coast.
Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi is understood to have been the driving force here with the Italian desperate to land Kudus.
This move appears to be drawing closer in what would be a major coup for Brighton.
Kudus hit 18 goals and seven assists in all competitions for Ajax last season as well as shining at the World Cup with Ghana.
Brighton’s recruitment has been hailed for years now and splashing the cash on Kudus will likely earn even more praise.
Arsenal and Chelsea set to miss out on Mohammed Kudus
Brighton’s imminent move to sign Kudus means Arsenal and Chelsea look set to miss out on the versatile star.
The Independent reported just a few days ago that Arsenal are keen on both Kudus and Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia.
It was suggested that Mikel Arteta preferred a move to sign Kudus though as he had a specific plan in mind for Kudus at Arsenal.
Arteta loves versatility and Kudus certainly provides that.
The 23-year-old has been moved all over the place at Ajax, featuring as a right winger, attacking midfielder, false nine, box-to-box midfielder and even as a deeper-lying playmaker.
Arteta may see Kudus as a player who can make a positive impact for Arsenal from a number of positions.
Arsenal were never alone in this race though and The Athletic suggested in July that Chelsea were discussing personal terms with Kudus ahead of a potential deal.
The Blues haven’t advanced their move though and Brighton have now pounced to beat both London clubs.
Kudus – hailed as ‘really special’ by Dutch striker Tom van Weert – can make an instant impact for Brighton but also has big potential too, meaning the Seagulls could slap an enormous asking price on him down the line, just as they have with Moises Caicedo.
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