Ajax are now preparing to lose Chelsea target Mohammed Kudus – after the Dutch side shortlisted James McAtee of Manchester City as a potential replacement.
That is according to Fabrizio Romano.
So, what is the latest on Chelsea and Mohammed Kudus? Let’s take a look…
What’s the story?
Well – according to the Evening Standard – Chelsea have spoken to the Ghana international as Mauricio Pochettino aims to bring him to Stamford Bridge, with Ajax valuing the attacking midfielder at £40m.
Ben Jacobs of CBS Sports added that Chelsea have made Kudus the best salary offer out of every side keen to sign him this summer – Brighton and West Ham are also in the running.
Now – by the looks of things – Ajax are ready to offload the Ghana international as they shortlist McAtee.
Romano believes the Dutch giants are set to make contact with Manchester City to ask what it would take to sign the England Under-21 international this summer.
Even if a move for McAtee fails to materialise for Ajax, it speaks volumes that the Eredivisie outfit are exploring replacements for Kudus, who they are clearly not confident about keeping in Amsterdam.
Mohammed Kudus may be questioning if Chelsea truly want him
In our view, Kudus may be asking himself if he was a leading target for Chelsea, or merely an option.
According to The Athletic, Chelsea have now triggered the £35m release clause of Michael Olise – a player who can operate out wide or centrally in attacking areas, like Kudus.
The France Under-21 international has regularly been mentioned as a target for Chelsea in the same breath as Kudus and Rayan Cherki, so the general feeling has been that Pochettino only wants one type of player like this.
Therefore, Kudus may be questioning if Chelsea still want him after progress was made on a deal for Olise.
Nevertheless – as Chelsea have already shown this summer – anything can happen, so be sure to keep an eye on the situation.
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