Key Kudus Update for West Ham as Arsenal Make Crucial Decision Following Saka Surgery

The situation around Mohammed Kudus feels reminiscent of the Declan Rice saga, as Arsenal and Manchester City appear to be heading for another transfer showdown involving a top West Ham player.

 

Arsenal ultimately triumphed in securing Rice last summer, spending £105m to bring him to North London instead of the Etihad.

 

West Ham reinvested a portion of that sum, signing Kudus from Ajax for £38.5m.

 

As the January transfer window approaches, both Arsenal and West Ham have declared their intention to be active in the market, albeit for differing reasons.

 

Arsenal seeks reinforcements to strengthen their push for the Premier League title following Manchester City’s slight dip in form.

 

Meanwhile, West Ham aims to salvage a season that has fallen far short of expectations, despite a £155m investment on nine new players in the summer.

 

However, the Hammers face financial constraints, having hit their Profitability and Sustainability (PSR) limit, necessitating either sales or fresh investment to make new signings.

 

Kudus has been strongly linked with Arsenal this season.

The Ghanaian international has shown flashes of brilliance but has also expressed frustration about being played out of position on the left wing under Julen Lopetegui.

 

Kudus publicly criticized the West Ham manager after scoring in a draw against Brighton.

 

Earlier this season, tensions flared when he had a much-publicized disagreement with Lopetegui during a match against Brentford.

 

Adding fuel to the speculation, Kudus was spotted at the Emirates watching Arsenal’s Champions League fixture.

 

Despite his undoubted talent, Kudus’s returns have been modest, with just three goals in 15 appearances this season—far below the expectations of West Ham supporters.

 

His apparent dissatisfaction with his role and the tactical setup has prompted many to view his departure as a matter of “when” rather than “if.”

 

Kudus reportedly has an £85m release clause that becomes active in the summer, with Arsenal, Liverpool, and Manchester City all expressing interest.

 

However, West Ham chairman David Sullivan has stated he would consider selling Kudus in January for £100m.

 

Arsenal’s interest in Kudus was already apparent before Bukayo Saka suffered a significant hamstring injury, which Mikel Arteta recently confirmed will sideline the winger for at least two months.

 

Many assumed that Arsenal might look to Kudus as a direct replacement to boost their title challenge.

However, a significant development has emerged, potentially altering the course of the transfer saga.

 

Reports indicate that Arsenal has reconsidered pursuing Kudus due to West Ham’s hefty valuation. Instead, Arteta appears to be shifting focus to AC Milan’s Samuel Chukwueze.

 

According to Milan Live, the Nigerian winger could be available for as little as £15-20m—£80m less than Kudus.

 

This price point has reportedly caught Arsenal’s attention, with suggestions that a swap deal involving defender Jakub Kiwior could further reduce the financial outlay.

 

Chukwueze, known for his skill and trickery on the right wing, was previously a target for West Ham.

 

His potential arrival at Arsenal would provide cover for Saka while allowing the Gunners to avoid breaking the bank.

 

 

Reports from Italy suggest Arsenal is moving quickly to finalize a deal for Chukwueze, which could see Kudus remain at West Ham until at least the end of the season.

 

Meanwhile, some West Ham fans have voiced mixed opinions on Kudus.

While his talent is undeniable, his performances and body language have raised questions about his commitment.

 

Many believe selling Kudus for a substantial fee in January could allow West Ham to address other pressing needs, such as a new striker and central midfielder.

 

Despite Arsenal’s apparent pivot, Manchester City remains a potential destination for Kudus.

 

The defending champions are reportedly keeping tabs on the situation, and their interest could reignite before the summer.

 

For now, Kudus’s immediate future remains uncertain, but the growing speculation signals that his time at West Ham may be limited.