Chelsea transfer news: West Ham hijack Mohammed Kudus deal amid Man United wonderkid battle
All the latest Chelsea transfer news and gossip including updates on Mohammed Kudus, Dino Klapija and Djordje Petrovic
Mohammed Kudus of AFC Ajax looks on during the Dutch Eredivisie match between AFC Ajax and Heracles Almelo at Johan Cruijff Arena on August 12, 2023 in Amsterdam, Netherlands.
Arsenal are one of many Premier League clubs interested in Ajax star Mohammed Kudus
Chelsea have been dealt major blows to their hopes of signing Mohammed Kudus. The 23-year-old midfielder has been heavily linked with a move to Stamford Bridge this summer, but now he looks set to join West Ham instead.
According to The Athletic, West Ham are on the verge of reaching an agreement with Ajax to sign Kudus. The report states that David Moyes’ side have submitted an official bid worth €41million (£35m), plus €3million (£2.6m) in add-ons, in a deal that would include a 10 per cent sell-on clause.
It’s said that the Dutch outfit are expected to accept West Ham’s offer, with personal terms in place for the Ghana international to sign a five-year deal which includes the option for a sixth. The Athletic add that Chelsea were among several clubs to register an interest in Kudus this summer, while Brighton also reached an agreement in principle earlier this month.
Chelsea are set to battle with Manchester United and a host of other European teams for Dino Klapija. According to the Daily Mail, the 16-year-old striker has impressed at youth level in recent years. The Blues aren’t the only team following him though, as Manchester United are another Premier League team on the lookout for a forward.
Other European teams are also in the conversation, with Barcelona, Juventus, AC Milan and RB Leipzig also keeping tabs on a switch. Klapija is a Croatian youth international, who came through the ranks at New York City FC before he made the switch Dinamo Zagreb.
He has since left there to join NK Kustosija in the academy, though teams are now eyeing a switch with teams willing to offer over £5million for the youngster. It remains to be seen whether a concrete offer will be tabled in the coming days, with the deadline edging closer, but it’s a move that certainly makes sense for Chelsea.
Chelsea are set to sign New England Revolution stopper Djordje Petrovic on a deal that could reach £14million, football.london understands. The Blues are set to pay £12.5million for the Serbia international who has featured 43 times in the MLS, with a further £1.5million available in add-ons for the 23-year-old.
