Romano makes SURPRISE Kudus transfer revelation

Robin Bairner

Updated: 14 Aug 2023 14:01 BST
3 min read

West Ham United have entered the race to sign Ajax attacker Mohammed Kudus, Fabrizio Romano has announced.

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Kudus has been linked with all of the Premier League’s biggest clubs over the course of the last year, yet in recent weeks Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal had all been associated with a potential transfer for the 23-year-old, who is under contract until 2025.

The Ajax star, though, may wind up at West Ham, with David Moyes’ side having earmarked him as the ideal replacement for Lucas Paqueta, who is wanted by Manchester City.

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The Hammers have already rebuffed one offer from Pep Guardiola’s side for Brazil international Paqueta, but according to Sky Sports they are readying a fresh approach having decided they want to strengthen their midfield. It may take a bid around €40 million for a deal to be done.

West Ham’s ambition is to retain Paqueta, who arrived from Lyon for €43m in 2022, but an outsized bid from City may prove too much to resist. As such, they are scouring for alternatives and Romano has revealed that Kudus has emerged as their primary target.

Indeed, the football transfer specialist has even indicated that discussions have started.

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West Ham open Kudus transfer talks

Romano posted on Twitter: “Exclusive: West Ham now open initial talks to sign Mohammed Kudus — priority target in case Lucas Paqueta leaves to join Manchester City.

“Positive talks on player side, Kudus open to the move — still waiting to approach Ajax as deal will depend on Paqueta.”

Kudus had appeared closest to Brighton last week as they had a transfer agreement thought to be around the €40m mark sorted with Ajax, a price that other clubs have so far been reticent to play.

Personal terms, though, could not be agreed between the player and the Premier League club and he was on the scoresheet as Ajax opened their Eredivisie campaign with a 4-1 win over Heracles.