Chelsea transfers: David Ornstein reveals ‘agreement close’ for Man Utd, Arsenal target in big Pochettino move

Trusted reporter David Ornstein has outlined Mauricio Pochettino’s interest in Ajax star Mohammed Kudus, with Chelsea making contact to try and beat Manchester United and Arsenal to the forward.

Kudus joined Ajax from Danish side FC Nordsjaelland in July 2020. It took Kudus two seasons to get used to the Eredivisie before he enjoyed a great campaign in 2021-22. Last term, the Ghanaian managed 18 goals and seven assists in 42 appearances.

Kudus is hot property, both because of that form and his versatility. He can operate as a central attacking midfielder, centre-forward or as a right winger.

Manchester United have been linked with Kudus as their manager Erik ten Hag knows him very well from his time at Ajax. Brighton are also interested, while Arsenal recently burst into the race.

On Saturday, Charles Watts revealed to TEAMtalk how the 22-year-old ‘ticks a lot of boxes’ for Arsenal. And they could use their good relationship with Ajax – owing from the Jurrien Timber signing – to try and finalise a deal.

But it looks like Chelsea will try to beat those three Premier League rivals to Kudus. The Athletic’s Ornstein has revealed Chelsea have ‘made contact’ with Ajax to ‘express their interest’ in landing the goalscorer.

Pochettino’s side have yet to submit an official offer, but that could soon arrive after ‘dialogue’ between the two clubs.

Chelsea are described as being ‘close’ to reaching an agreement on personal terms with Kudus. He is ‘among the options they are considering’ to improve their forward line.

Kudus could join new Chelsea era

It will be interesting to see how much Chelsea bid for Kudus. His Ajax contract runs for another two years, while transfermarkt put his value at €40m (£34.6m). Of course, if other English clubs also launch offers for Kudus then this may force Chelsea into paying more.

The 24-cap Ghana international could form part of a new look Chelsea attack next season. The Blues have had to engineer a clear-out to help Pochettino deal with the squad as well as give him some money to play with in the transfer market.

This has seen players such as Christian Pulisic, Mason Mount, Kai Havertz and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang depart.

Although, Pochettino is now able to utilise Christopher Nkunku, as Chelsea confirmed his arrival from RB Leipzig on June 20. If Chelsea did end up landing Kudus, then he might be able to form a deadly forward partnership with the Frenchman.

Meanwhile, Tottenham have held discussions as they look to beat Chelsea to the capture of a Ligue 1 ace, as per a report.