Arsenal transfers: Mikel Arteta lands huge transfer bonus as reason emerges why Chelsea target having second thoughts

A new report claims Chelsea might miss out on signing Mohammed Kudus this summer as the Ajax star would actually prefer to join Arsenal.

The Blues have been heavily linked with a move for the midfielder. Indeed, it seemed as though the 22-year-old was on the cusp of moving to Stamford Bridge when he was removed from pre-season training. Chelsea have jettisoned a number of stars this summer to deal with their bloated squad.

But now Mauricio Pochettino is keen to add quality to his ranks as he seeks a way to reverse last season’s woes.

They have made securing Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo a top priority.

But the Seagulls seem intent on keeping the Ecuador international and rejected another bid from the west Londoners on Thursday.

And, if reports are to be believed, they might now be beaten to the punch for another target.

Chelsea endured a dreadful 2022-23 by their high standards. And as a result of their 12th-place finish, cannot offer any European football to incoming stars.

And that has been stated as the reason why the Gunners hold all the aces in their pursuit of Kudus.

A report by Football Transfers claims the Ghana international is eager to play in the Champions League.

That is why he would prefer the Gunners to Chelsea if it was a straight choice between the two London clubs.

Personal terms are not thought to be an issue for either outfit and the same reports states that he would be happy to join Chelsea.

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Arsenal may now be his preferred club but they might have to sell a few players to raise funds.

Arsenal need to balance books for Kudus deal

Mikel Arteta has been heavily backed in the transfer market this summer.

The standout deal saw Declan Rice move to the Emirates from West Ham for £105m.

But they have also bought Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber for sizeable transfer fees.

Therefore it is open to debate as to whether they have the resources to secure Kudus.

He has been valued at around £40m by Ajax, who do not want him to leave Amsterdam.

Arsenal would raise more than that if they manage to sell Kieran Tierney and Falorin Balogun.

Both have been linked with an exit although there are no imminent deals for either star.

Chelsea will still hold out hope of landing the African ace while Manchester United have also been linked.

The Red Devils also qualified for the Champions League and would therefore tick that particular box.

It may come down to money in the end, with Chelsea seemingly having raised enough funds to continue their own recruitment.

And if they do fail to sign Caicedo, money could be released to lure Kudus to Stamford Bridge.

Whoever gets the exciting winger will gain a versatile star who can play many attacking positions.

He scored 18 goals and recorded seven assists in all competitions for Ajax last term.

That prompted Netherlands legend Marco van Basten to state that he is “a much better football player than Antony.”

The Manchester United star played with Kudus at Johan Cruyff Arena before moving to Old Trafford.

It remains to be seen where he ends up and if he digs his heels in about joining a club in the Champions League.

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