De Zerbi in dreamland as Brighton gazump Man Utd, Arsenal and Chelsea for club-record signing

Brighton have struck an agreement in principle to sign Man Utd, Arsenal and Chelsea target, Mohammed Kudus, and the finer details of the club-record coup have emerged.

The Seagulls have become accustomed to seeing England’s elite poach their finest stars over recent seasons. However, according to the Athletic’s David Ornstein, Brighton have got one over three of their richer rivals.

Per the reporter, Brighton have struck an ‘agreement in principle’ to sign Ajax attacker, Mohammed Kudus.

The Ghana international, 23, had long been listed as a Man Utd target in the event their striker search did not bear fruit.

Erik ten Hag knows Kudus well through his time at Ajax. Per widespread reports, the Amsterdam club had set an asking price of around £40m for the versatile forward.

But once United made a breakthrough in their quest to sign Rasmus Hojlund, the door was left ajar for others to strike.

Arsenal showed interest, as did London rival Chelsea. In fact, Ornstein reported the Blues were in direct contact with Ajax regarding a Kudus move in July.

However, discussions did not progress and it’s Brighton who have swooped in ahead of their more powerful rivals.

The agreement in principle with Ajax is worth €40m (approx. £34.5m) and will represent a new club record for Brighton all being well.

The club’s current mark is the £30m paid to sign Joao Pedro from Watford earlier this summer.

Personal terms between Brighton and Kudus aren’t yet in place. However, Ornstein stressed an agreement on that front is “close.”

The impending deal will be greeted with delight at the AMEX, especially from manager Roberto De Zerbi who it’s acknowledged was a key driver in Brighton’s chase.

Kudus can operate in a variety of roles in the final third including No 10, striker or on the right wing.

He scored 18 times and notched seven assists for Ajax last season that included six goal contributions in six games in the tougher Champions League.

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