Arsenal plotting move for 24-year-old Premier League forward next summer: Reports
Arsenal are reportedly plotting a move to sign West Ham United attacker Mohammed Kudus in 2025. This is according to a report from Football Insider, who claim that a move for the Ghana international in January is unlikely to occur.
It is believed that the Gunners will approach the player's entourage over a transfer in the summer of 2025 in a bid to bolster their attack. The north London side have been struggling for goals of late, due to injuries to key players in attack.
While Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard have returned to first-team action, the pair were sidelined for previous fixtures in which Arsenal looked out of ideas. Particularly in the absence of their Norway internaitonal, the Gunners have failed to win any of their last three Premier League outings.
Kudus not only brings energy and creativity, but is also a versatile talent, who can cover multiple positions. The 24-year-old can play as a number 10 just behind the striker, or operate on the flanks if needed. The former Ajax star could also be deployed in the striker's position.
All things said and done, Kudus will not be a cheap buy whatsoever. He's contracted with the Hammers till the summer of 2028, as a result of which this report claims that Arsenal may have to meet his £85 million release clause.
A move to the Emirates would certainly be a step in the right direction as far as his career is concerned. The Gunners have shown promise in the previous two seasons, finishing second to Manchester City in the title race both times.
Paul Merson explains why Martin Odegaard is key to Arsenal in the Champions League
Arsenal were on the receiving end of a 1-0 defeat against Inter Milan in the Champions League on Wednesday (November 6). While the Gunners dominated the proceedings, they were unable to break down the Nerazzurri defense.
Pundit Paul Merson claims that this is where the north London side miss Odegaard the most. Stating that sides will look to sit deep against Mikel Arteta and Co., in Europe, Merson told Sky Sports News:
"Teams are going to sit back against them. They have earned that respect. Then, in that scenario, that's when they need an Odegaard to thread the ball through the eye of a needle."
Arsenal's midfield seemed a bit flat in tie, comprising Leandro Trossard, Thomas Partey and Mikel Merino. However, the Gunners fans would have been delighted with Odegaard's return, who played the final few minutes of this tie.