Chelsea make contact over £40m-rated Arsenal target as personal terms close to being agreed

Chelsea have expressed interest in Mohammed Kudus and contact has been made with Ajax over a potential summer transfer.

The 22-year-old, who registered 25 goals and assists in 42 appearances in all competitions last season, is under contract at Ajax until June 2025 and has already rejected an extension, with a desire to leave the Dutch side, according to reports.

Arsenal have been attributed with interest in Kudus in recent days, as reported by Sami Mokbel, and now Chelsea are the next to throw their name into the transfer pursuit of the attacking midfielder.

As reported by David Ornstein of The Athletic, Chelsea have made contact with Ajax to open initial talks, but a bid is yet to be made.

Chelsea are looking to strengthen their midfielder this summer. Kudus is ‘among a number of options’ they are looking at, as revealed by David Ornstein, and personal terms are close to being agreed.

Moises Caicedo of Brighton & Hove Albion has been Chelsea’s number one midfield target and talks remain ongoing.

Head coach Mauricio Pochettino stated his desire to get players in whilst they are on tour in the United States for pre-season, admitting: “It is clear that any coach would want to close the squad as soon as possible.

“If it’s possible, yes bring the player here to the USA. If not, it’s not a problem.

“I’m happy with how we are working in this process to improve the squad. The sporting directors, the board are working so hard to bring the right people and right players and profile to the squad. I’m so happy in the way they are working.”