Manchester United could switch to Chelsea target if Rasmus Hojlund pursuit fails

Chelsea target and Ajax forward Mohammed Kudus is a subject of interest for Manchester United

As per the Times (subscription required), Manchester United join the race to sign Chelsea target and Ajax forward Mohammed Kudus in this summer window.

United are initially aiming to sign Atalanta striker Rasmus Hojlund. But, if they fail in their attempt to get the Danish number nine, Erik ten Hag would switch his attention to signing Kudus. The Dutchman has worked with the latter when the duo were at Ajax.

A few days ago, the Athletic (subscription required) revealed that Chelsea have made contact with the Eredivisie club about the Ghana international. An agreement on personal terms was close between the Blues and the player.

Manchester United join Chelsea in the race to sign Mohammaed Kudus.
Manchester United join Chelsea in the race to sign Mohammaed Kudus. (Photo by MAURICE VAN STEEN / ANP / AFP) / Netherlands OUT (Photo by MAURICE VAN STEEN/ANP/AFP via Getty Images)

The 22-year-old has recently rejected a one-year extension offer from Ajax. He wants to leave Amsterdam during this summer transfer window.

Kudus initially moved to Europe to play Danish club FC Nordsjaelland. He signed for Ajax in 2020 and has been one of their star players since.

The Ghana international has scored 23 goals and assisted 11 in 84 appearances in all competitions for the Dutch side. He is a left-footed right winger who can also operate as a number 10 or a false nine.

Kudus wants to leave Ajax after rejecting a one-year extension.
Kudus wants to leave Ajax after rejecting a one-year extension. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)

If we ignore Hakim Ziyech (his future is bleak at Stamford Bridge), Chelsea only have one left-footed winger/forward in the team – Noni Madueke.

Moreover, the Blues do not have a lot of elite options for the number nine position. Knowing that Kudus can operate in multiple positions, his addition would be great for the squad.

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But, the thing to note here is that Chelsea must sign midfielders as well. If the Kudus signing comes at a cost of a midfield addition, then it is not worth it. Let’s hope both transfers are not interlinked financially.