Chelsea 'agreement' close as Mauricio Pochettino copies clever £52m Mikel Arteta transfer plan

Mohammed Kudus faces an increasingly uncertain future at Ajax with several Premier League sides looking to secure his signature this summer

Chelsea appear to have leapfrogged Arsenal in the race to sign Mohammed Kudus, with Mauricio Pochettino eager to further bolster his midfield options. The 22-year-old midfielder has been heavily linked with a move to the Premier League for a while now following a meteoric rise to prominence at Ajax.

While he predominantly operated as a centre-forward or a right-winger, Kudus has previously also used as a No.10 and even an eight in the past. As Chelsea look to replace several high-profile players from across numerous positions, Pochettino will gladly welcome the arrival of somebody with the versatility of the Ghanian.

According to The Atheltic, the Blues have made contact with Ajax to register their interest in signing Kudus. The report states that Chelsea are yet to submit a bid to the Dutch outfit, but an agreement on personal terms is said to be close.

With the £52million-rated star facing an increasingly uncertain future in Amsterdam, Jennifer Mendelewitsch – his agent – has already confirmed that now is the right time for her client to find a new club. As quoted by Dutch publication De Telegraaf, she said: "I think it is best for both Ajax and Mohammed that he makes a transfer now.

"Now is the right time. He has ignored a proposal to extend his contract until the summer of 2026. What I can say is that after the World Cup and this season there is a lot of interest in Kudus."

"Antony has his skills, but he is confused with the things he is trying to do! Kudus has much better technique and he knows what he is doing. Antony may be faster, but Kudus is smarter and more technical.