Arsenal line up SHOCK move for Man Utd and Liverpool target 'better than Antony'

Cameron Smith

• 18 Jul 2023 19:14 BST
• 3 min read

Arsenal are interested in signing versatile Ajax and Ghana forward Mohammed Kudus this summer, despite the recent acquisition of Kai Havertz.

Kudus, 22, has previously been linked with both Manchester United and Liverpool, while Real Madrid briefly held interest in his services, according to Spanish media.

Brighton & Hove Albion have been monitoring Kudus’ situation at Ajax this window, with the view of potentially submitting a bid for the Ghanaian, although their transfer plans may have been scuppered by Arsenal’s interest.

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The Daily Mail have reported that Kudus is being looked at by Arsenal, but the Gunners must trim down their squad before making any additions.

Mikel Arteta’s side have already spent €231.6 million this summer, with Declan Rice, Jurrien Timber and Havertz coming through the door.

Academy graduate Folarin Balogun has been heavily linked with an exit, amid interest from Serie A giants Inter Milan, while Granit Xhaka has already departed. The Swiss international has joined Bundesliga outfit Bayer Leverkusen, who are coached by former Liverpool and Real Madrid midfielder Xabi Alonso.

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Kudus’ versatility is deemed to be an attractive trait by the Arsenal recruitment team, who are keen on signing him in the next few months, if sufficient sales are made.

The 22-year-old, who starred for Ghana at the 2022 World Cup, can play in a conventional midfield role, off either flank, behind a central striker or as the central striker himself - in many ways similar to the flexibility that Havertz brings.

Despite the recent addition of the Germany international, Arsenal seemingly aren’t satisfied with their options in attack, hence why Kudus has been targeted.

The Ajax star bagged 18 goals and provided seven assists in all competitions for the Eredivisie club last season.

Kudus receives Van Basten praise

Dutch football legend Marco van Basten is among Kudus’ admirers, with the former AC Milan striker admitting that the current Ajax star is better than Manchester United’s record signing Antony.

“I find Mohammed Kudus a much better football player than Antony,” he told Ziggo Sport in February. “Antony has his skills, but he is confused with the things he is trying to do!

“Kudus has much better technique and he knows what he is doing. Antony may be faster, but Kudus is smarter and more technical.

“He is much more of a footballer, you can place him anywhere on the pitch, an all-rounder for the team. In fact, I like him much better than Antony. He's more fun to watch play.”