Fabrizio Romano reports that Mohamed Kudus has chosen to sign with Arsenal this summer.
Kudus to Arsenal
According to Fabrizio Romano, Ajax midfielder Mohamed Kudus has chosen to join Arsenal this summer. The 23-year-old Ghanaian international, who began the 2023/24 season with Ajax, has drawn considerable interest from Premier League clubs like Arsenal, Chelsea, Brighton, and West Ham. However, his time at Ajax seems to be coming to an end as he prepares for a move to the English Premier League.
Kudus Agreement
The Athletic reports that West Ham United are close to finalizing a deal with Ajax for Kudus. The transfer fee agreed upon is €41.5 million (£35.4 million) upfront, with an additional €3 million (£2.6 million) in potential add-ons. The agreement also includes a 10 percent sell-on clause, and Kudus is expected to sign a five-year contract with West Ham. This move showcases West Ham’s ambition to bolster their squad with versatile, talented players to enhance their Premier League performance.
Pepe Exit Talks
Arsenal is looking to offload several players before the summer transfer window closes on September 1, including Nicolas Pepe, who joined the club in 2019 for a then-record fee of £72 million. Other players on the potential departure list include Folarin Balogun, Kieran Tierney, Rob Holding, Albert Sambi Lokonga, Cedric Soares, and Nuno Tavares.
Besiktas had offered Pepe a three-year contract, which he declined, leaving Arsenal in a difficult position as they seek a resolution for the 28-year-old’s future. Despite talk of a potential contract termination, Pepe has been training at London Colney, leading some fans to suggest he deserves another chance. However, this seems unlikely.
According to RMC journalist Fabrice Hawkins, an unnamed Saudi Arabian club is preparing to make a move for Pepe. Arsenal is in negotiations over a transfer fee with this club, indicating a possible exit for the Ivorian winger. This move could provide Arsenal with financial relief and offer Pepe a fresh start.
Balogun’s Future
Tottenham Hotspur has emerged as a surprising potential destination for Arsenal forward Folarin Balogun, sparking debate among fans and pundits. Former Arsenal midfielder Emmanuel Petit commented on the situation, explaining why Arsenal might consider such a move despite the rivalry between the clubs.
In an interview with BettingSites.co.uk, Petit acknowledged that selling Balogun to Tottenham would be a significant blow to Arsenal but noted that it’s clear the Gunners are looking to sell him. Petit emphasized that Balogun needs regular playing time to develop into a top striker and that if Tottenham offers him this opportunity, the move should not be dismissed outright.
Petit stated, “Balogun to Tottenham would be a blow for Arsenal, but you have a feeling that Arsenal want to sell him. If he wants to return to the Premier League and join Tottenham, then he is free to do it. I think the fans understand the situation. He is at a point in his life where he needs to go to a club to help him progress step by step to become a powerful striker.”
This pragmatic view highlights the importance of focusing on what is best for Balogun’s career and Arsenal’s strategic plans, despite the emotional impact of potentially moving to a direct rival.
