West Ham United keen to hold off Chelsea interest and land versatile 23-year-old star

Chelsea and West Ham United are in the race to sign Ajax Amsterdam star Mohammed Kudus

According to the Express, West Ham United are pressing for a move for Mohammed Kudus to prevent Chelsea from hijacking the transfer. The Hammers are making progress on Kudus signing as the negotiations continue.

There has been smooth communication between the two clubs after the Hammers signed Edson Alvarez for £32 million from Ajax. Given that Michael Olise renewed his contract at Crystal Palace Chelsea might resume their pursuit of Kudus. This could lead to a London showdown in the final days of the summer transfer window.

However, the Ghanaian will cost more than that, and the Hammers are yet to agree to personal terms with the 23-year-old. This could offer us a window of opportunity to swoop in and secure his services.

With Manchester City pursuing Lucas Paqueta, West Ham are looking to find his replacement. The Ghanaian certainly fist the mould and would be an inspired addition. Meanwhile, Chelsea have already reached a personal agreement with Kudus but have yet to send their formal offer for the attacking player.

This has seen West Ham accelerate their signing of the 23-year-old to minimise Chelsea’s efforts to swoop for the deal, while the Blues have long been interested in signing the Ajax Amsterdam forward. The Blues have already failed to sign Michael Olise and could now attempt to sign Kudus to boost their frontline.

Chelsea will likely try to improve their attacking alternatives now that Christopher Nkunku is also injured for an extended period. This may see them rekindle their interest in signing Kudus, who is open to moving to Stamford Bridge. He can serve as a second striker and is a superb goal scorer with plenty of experience in the Eredivisie.

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Kudus can also play in midfield, so it will primarily depend on how Mauricio Pochettino uses him. We know a little bit about hijacking as well, so we should try to sign the youngster who has proven himself in the Dutch league. Given that we have already agreed upon personal conditions, all that is left to do is submit a first offer that satisfies Ajax’s demands.