Chelsea Makes Move for Star Target After Rival's £50 Million Bid Gets Rejected
Chelsea could potentially disrupt London neighbors Tottenham Hotspur's pursuit of Mohammed Kudus for the 2025–26 season.
Following two impressive seasons at West Ham United that demonstrated his ability to excel in the Premier League after his 2023 move from Ajax, Kudus is anticipated to seek a new challenge.
With West Ham reportedly turning down a £50 million (£68.3 million) bid from Spurs, Fabrizio Romano indicates that a second offer is expected within the coming week.
Tottenham, eager to provide new boss Thomas Frank with a squad capable of climbing the Premier League standings and challenging in the Champions League, are looking to "fast-track" negotiations. Currently, their only additions in N17 have been converting loan deals for Mathys Tel and Kevin Danso into permanent transfers.
However, competing interest in Kudus appears to be present, notably from Chelsea. Romano mentions that the Blues have maintained "contact" with the player's representatives while keeping tabs on developments.
Chelsea have already invested heavily in Liam Delap, João Pedro and Jamie Gittens to strengthen their forward line since last season concluded. Previously arranged agreements for South American prospects Estêvão Willian and Kendry Páez will add further depth to the roster.
While Jadon Sancho has departed after his loan spell ended and a purchase obligation was voided, there remains no room for the returning Raheem Sterling, with Arsenal currently attempting to secure Noni Madueke. Nevertheless, Chelsea have demonstrated little restraint in player acquisitions since the BlueCo ownership began in 2022, particularly targeting forwards under 25 years old, a category that includes Kudus.
Across 65 Premier League matches for West Ham, Kudus has recorded 25 goals and assists combined. During his time at Ajax, the Ghanaian striker found the net four times in the 2022–23 Champions League group phase alone.
As a left-footed right-sided attacker, he would bring a unique dimension to either Chelsea or Tottenham's setup.