Former England international Alan Smith has expressed skepticism about the likelihood of West Ham considering any bid from Arsenal for their players, especially in the wake of the Declan Rice deal. Arsenal secured Rice’s signature for £105 million from West Ham in the summer and are now reportedly eyeing Mohammed Kudus for future acquisition.
Kudus, who was previously linked with Arsenal before joining West Ham from Ajax, has impressed with 10 goals in 26 appearances from the flank this season.
Kudus shone brightly throughout the Africa Cup of Nations, earning recognition as Ghana’s standout player. This year’s edition was widely lauded as the best yet, and fans seeking to relive the excitement or explore past tournaments can delve into the historical AFCON top scorers list – conveniently available on the one-stop site for Nigerian bettors. Dive deep into the rich history of the competition and discover the legendary strikers who etched their names in AFCON folklore!.
Reports suggested that West Ham was displeased with Arsenal’s approach during the Rice negotiations, leading Smith to believe that this could impact potential future dealings between the two clubs.
Despite Arsenal’s significant summer investments, which included signings like Kai Havertz, Jurrien Timber, and David Raya, the focus remained on the prolonged negotiations for Declan Rice. Rice eventually joined Arsenal, becoming a key player under Mikel Arteta.
Smith suggested that West Ham may have invested wisely following the Rice deal, with players like Edson Alvarez and Kudus joining the squad. He commended Kudus’s adaptation to the Premier League and doubted West Ham’s willingness to sell him to Arsenal, especially after the Rice transfer.
Kudus has been outstanding for West Ham, making a significant impact in the Premier League since his arrival. Despite this, Arsenal continues to consider him a potential target for the wing position.
Kudus’ talent was first nurtured at the Right To Dream academy in Ghana, where he joined as a young player and has since become one of their most prominent alumni. Didi Dramani, who has coached Kudus at Right To Dream, Nordsjaelland, and the Ghanaian national team, recalls their early encounters vividly.
Since joining West Ham from Ajax last summer, Kudus has seamlessly adapted to the Premier League. The Ghanaian international has quickly become a standout performer for West Ham, showcasing his talent in forward positions. Known for his strong ball-carrying ability and powerful strikes, the 23-year-old could be a valuable addition to Arsenal’s squad, capable of contributing both on the wing and in midfield.
Kudus began his professional journey with Danish club Nordsjaelland in 2018 before making a move to Ajax in 2020. During his time at Ajax, he has scored 27 goals in 87 appearances, contributing significantly to his team’s success with two Dutch league titles.
West Ham paid £38 million to sign Kudus from Ajax, and they are likely to expect a fee at least double that amount should they entertain offers for the Ghanaian international.
Kudus earned his debut for the Ghanaian national team in November 2019 and has since accumulated 26 caps and scored nine goals for his country. Notably, he started all three of Ghana’s matches at the 2022 World Cup, contributing two goals.
