Why Chelsea hold Mohammed Kudus transfer advantage as Ajax chief issues £52m deadline warning

Mohammed Kudus faces an uncertain future at Ajax this summer, with numerous Premier League sides said to be eager to secure his signature including Chelsea

Chelsea have been handed a huge boost to their hopes of signing Mohammed Kudus. The 22-year-old midfielder has been heavily linked with a move to the Premier League this summer following his impressive performances for Ajax.

Chelsea appear to face tough competition from Brighton for the Ajax star's signature, but Todd Boehly seems to have the upper hand. According to Fabrizio Romano, the Seagulls can only launch a bid for Kudus once they sell some players.

As for the Blues, they're already chalked up over £200million in player sales this summer. And, as the days fly by, the Dutch giants are expected to bump up his price tag – as the saying goes, time is money.

In an interview with Ajax Life, as quoted by the Metro, Ajax sporting director Sven Mislintat said: "There are clubs that have informally enquired about him. I don’t expect an offer very soon, although you know that things can be different in the football world. Perhaps the interest is not as serious as everyone thinks."

Then, speaking to Aglemeen Dagblad, he added: "There is no fixed deadline, but there are agreements we must have to get replacements. If we have not already done so proactively. The best thing is if Kudus and [Edson] Alvarez stay, then we keep two top players.

"But it is also possible that one goes, or both. It is important for us that the relationship with the players remains good. This can be done by being transparent and applying good principles. As we get closer to the deadline, the transfer fee, for example, goes up."