Mohammed Kudus Transfer Talks Heat Up as Chelsea Pursues West Ham Deal

West Ham have turned down the opportunity to sign several Chelsea players in a swap deal for Mohammed Kudus. The 24-year-old forward, who has three different release clauses in his contract, can only be bought out during the first 10 days of July. These clauses are set at £80 million for European clubs, £85m for Premier League teams, and a staggering £120m for Saudi Pro League outfits.

Despite this, West Ham are believed to be open to offers for the Ghanaian international, whose contract runs until 2028 with an option for a further year. Recently, it’s understood that the Hammers rejected a multi-player package deal from Chelsea for Mohammed Kudus. However, the club’s hierarchy would consider cash-only offers, despite Mohammed Kudus being one of their star performers.

West Ham have previously shown interest in Trevoh Chalobah, Carney Chukwuemeka, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, and Armando Broja, but were not willing to negotiate on this occasion. While talks didn’t progress far, it’s been suggested that Mohammed Kudus has been offered to other Premier League clubs recently. Saudi Pro League team Al-Nassr are also said to be interested, although Liverpool’s Luis Diaz remains their primary target.West Ham, while not under immediate pressure to sell due to Premier League PSR rules, are eager to boost Potter’s summer transfer budget through player sales. Mohammed Kudus, who was a £38m signing from Ajax in 2023, managed only five goals in 35 appearances across all competitions last season. Chelsea had shown interest in the versatile attacker back in July 2023 before his move to East London.

However, the Blues are apparently now focusing on obtaining a left-winger with a right foot after paying a £5 million penalty fee to send Jadon Sancho back to Manchester United. Although Chelsea is prepared to submit an initial bid for Borussia Dortmund’s Jamie Bynoe-Gittens, they do not think a deal is necessary prior to the Club World Cup. Chelsea has also contemplated offers for Nico Williams of Athletic Bilbao and Alejandro Garnacho of Manchester United, who has caught the interest of Bayer Leverkusen.