After Gabriel Jesus’ injury was made public, Arsenal might be compelled to make another attack this transfer window.
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This summer, the Gunners have already signed Kai Havertz to boost their front line, and Declan Rice, Jurrien Timber, and David Raya have also joined to fortify the spine.
During the break, Mikel Arteta’s team has once again been linked with a number of players, with one name catching the attention of both the Emirates and other Premier League clubs.
Arsenal may sign a few people this summer.
According to football.london, Chelsea, West Ham United, and Brighton & Hove Albion have all shown interest in Ajax forward Mohammed Kudus, who has been linked with a move to north London.
While journalist Charles Watts (via TEAMtalk) identified the dynamic forward as a player admired by Arsenal, West Ham has most recently been identified as the team aiming for the Eredivisie sensation.
Famous writer and transfer expert Fabrizio Romano revealed that the Irons had begun “first talks” to sign Kudus, who is reportedly worth somewhere about £40 million.
To add to the confusion and Premier League admiration for the 23-year-old gem, Arsenal could still be in the mix to sign the Ghanaian, with the Independent claiming Arteta favors the star over other signings.
Mohammed Kudus: How excellent is he?
Kudus is undoubtedly talented, as evidenced by the interest the Premier League has shown in him this summer, but Arteta is particularly drawn to him because of the type of player he is.
The 23-year-old, who was once referred to as a “star boy” by former Ajax colleague Calvin Bassey, exhibits a diverse style of play that might be the ideal match for the Gunners given their current injury problem.
Only Eddie Nketiah has a chance to be Arsenal’s lone out-and-out striker after Jesus was ruled out and Folarin Balogun is predicted to leave the team.
Kudus is typically used in center midfield, but he is versatile and can play anywhere along the front line. During his tenure in the Netherlands, he has played as advanced as a false nine for Ajax.
The Ghanaian international could be more of a danger to lead the line than Nketiah himself after Jacek Kulig, a talent scout, called his performance as a “free role false nine” “outstanding.”
Even if the Englishman scored in Arsenal’s opening match of the year, there is no question that the Gunners need a more capable striker if they are to compete with the best in Europe, especially Manchester City.
As per FBref, Kudus actually performed better in front of goal than Nketiah over the 2022/23 campaign, averaging 0.55 non-penalty goals per 90, with 1.36 shots on target and 1.46 key passes per 90 in the Eredivisie.
Arteta’s starlet fell short in all the listed areas, averaging 0.33 non-penalty goals, 1.16 shots on target and 0.74 key passes per 90 in the Premier League for the Gunners.
One of the most prominent features of Kudus’ game is his ball-carrying abilities and explosive nature in possession, communicated by his 4.57 successful take-ons per 90, incomparable to Nketiah’s average of 1.24 last term.
Given the information above, Arteta may execute a masterful signing of the Ghanaian prospect, transforming their front line while also elevating Arsenal’s standing as legitimate title contenders.