Chelsea and Arsenal beaten to punch as Brighton strike £34m transfer agreement ‘ Brighton have reportedly agreed on a deal in principle to sign Mohammed Kudus from Ajax – beating Chelsea and Arsenal to the punch. Both London clubs have been targeting the Ghanaian this summer but now the Seagulls have swooped and look set to land the 23-year-old forward in a major coup for Roberto De Zerbi.
Kudus has been missing Ajax training in pre-season as he continues to push for a transfer following a mass exodus in Amsterdam this summer.
He came close to joining Everton in 2022 before the deal collapsed but stuck around in Holland for another season, dazzling in last season’s Champions League group stages.
The Athletic are now reporting that Brighton have agreed a package worth around £34.5m for Kudus and he is now poised to move to the Amex subject to personal terms and a medical.
Kudus netted 11 goals in 30 Eredivisie outings last term as he gears up for a new chapter in the Premier League.
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Brighton have already added plenty of new faces to their squad this summer in the form of Joao Pedro, James Milner, Mahmoud Dahoud, Igor and goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen.
If the deal for Kudus goes through, it will surpass the £30m club-record fee Brighton paid Watford to sign Brazilian forward Joao Pedro at the start of the transfer window.
The two new signings could yet form a devastating partnership in attack under De Zerbi as Brighton begin preparations for the Europa League.
Chelsea are thought to have already agreed personal terms with Kudus but they are yet to launch a formal bid for the versatile forward.
Arsenal were also keen but they are currently focused on clearing the decks at the Emirates Stadium with added emphasis on player sales.
Manchester United have also been linked but Erik ten Hag is not expected to make a move for his former player.
Kudus rejected a contract extension with Ajax back in April ahead of a summer departure.
He caught the eye at the World Cup in Qatar with Ghana, netting twice in a 3-2 win over South Korea.
Speaking during the World Cup last year, former Ghana star Derek Boateng shed light on Kudus’ stature back home in Africa, telling Sky Sports: “Kudus is massive here.
“Every time he is playing, it does not matter whether it is the Champions League or a friendly match, you will see all the kids get up and watch Kudus. Just Kudus.
“They just want him to score. When he scores, everyone is all over the place.”
Brighton could have an incredible talent on their hands if they’re able to get a deal over the line.
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