Transfer blow for Chelsea as London rival beat them to versatile African ace

Chelsea miss out on Mohammed Kudus as West Ham United reach agreement with Ajax Amsterdam

Ajax Amsterdam have confirmed that they have reached an agreement with West Ham United to sell Mohammed Kudus despite heavy interest from Chelsea and Arsenal in the summer transfer window.

They also confirmed that Hammers are set to pay a €43 million transfer fee for the forward that could increase to €46 million through variables. Chelsea really missed out on signing Kudus for a decent sum, especially given the need for reinforcements in attack.

The 23-year-old was linked with a move to Arsenal and Chelsea, but both have dealt with a blow as the Ghanaian forward will join East London to start his new life in the Premier League. It would represent the next step in the versatile ace’s career.

Chelsea were in the market for another attacking player and were keen on signing Kudus, who is a versatile player and might have been a great addition to the Blues’ squad.

The Blues, who are still active in the window and are considering signing another attacking player, will now need to look elsewhere. Ajax have finalised a deal and have made it more or less official, (h/t Football.London) as their statement read,

“Ajax and West Ham United FC have reached an agreement on the transfer of Mohammed Kudus to the club from London. The attacking midfielder’s contract at Ajax runs until June 30, 2025. Ajax and West Ham United FC agreed on a €43 million transfer fee. This amount can increase to € 46 million through variables.”

Chelsea miss out on Mohammed Kudus as West Ham United reach agreement with Ajax Amsterdam.  (Photo by MAURICE VAN STEEN/ANP/AFP via Getty Images)
Chelsea target Kudus joins West Ham United. (Photo by MAURICE VAN STEEN/ANP/AFP via Getty Images)

Failing to sign Kudus is undoubtedly an opportunity missed and we did lose a talented forward who is a productive scorer, as seen by his hat-trick in Ajax’s recent game. We have little time to dawdle on chances lost and are better off looking elsewhere and bring in another attacker.

More Chelsea News

West Ham are also a great club to nurture such a young talented player and Kudus will have a chance to show his credentials in the Premier League. In future maybe if we have an opportunity to recruit him then we should take the chance. Surely, it is too late for a hijack this time around.