Romano tips Arsenal and Chelsea to complete SHOCK transfer

Robin Bairner

23 Aug 2023 10:56 BST
3 min read

Ajax are hoping that there is a surprise transfer for Mohamed Kudus in the final days of the summer window, with Fabrizio Romano hinting that Chelsea and Arsenal are among the clubs that could go back in for the Ghana international star.

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Romano reports that West Ham had a bid for Kudus rejected by Ajax on Tuesday, with the Hammers tabling an offer of €42 million for the player who turned 23 earlier this month.

The Eredivisie side knocked that back, despite it being a figure greater than the previous offer they accepted from Brighton in a move that collapsed because Kudus, who is under contract until 2025, refused the move.

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The football transfer news expert explained that Ajax did that for two reasons. Firstly, their ultimate aim is for Kudus to remain with them for another season, or at least until January, and secondly because they believe that a very big club could pay an extravagant fee for the player in the final days of the transfer window.

Ajax’s logic seems sound given that there are several teams looking for a multi-faceted attacking player.

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Chelsea and Arsenal to pick up the pieces?

Chelsea are certainly among those clubs following injuries to Christopher Nkunku and Carney Chukwuemeka.

The Blues have been linked to Brennan Johnson of Nottingham Forest, a deal Romano says there is nothing concrete in for now, and Lyon’s Bradley Barcola, who has given his priority to PSG, although the Ligue 1 champions are struggling to close out a deal.

Chelsea have been in touch with Lyon regarding a deal for Barcola, which has led to PSG feeling “very nervous”.

Arsenal are considered another possibility by Romano, who noted that Mikel Arteta’s side have already been in touch with Ajax over the player, albeit back in June.

A deal didn’t progress at that point because the Gunners subsequently spent big on Kai Havertz, Declan Rice and Jurrien Timber, but Romano points out: “Never say never”.