Arsenal reportedly show increased interest in Ajax’s dynamic forward, Mohammed Kudus while Manchester United consider him an alternative to Rasmus Hojlund.

As Manchester United’s pursuit of the Ghanaian player makes the papers, the question remains whether Arsenal could clinch this significant signing.

Ajax' Ghanaian midfielder Mohammed Kudus reacts during the Dutch Eredivisie premier league football match between Ajax Amsterdam and Feyenoord at the Johan Cruijff ArenA in Amsterdam on March 19, 2023. (Photo by MAURICE VAN STEEN / ANP / AFP) / Netherlands OUT (Photo by MAURICE VAN STEEN/ANP/AFP via Getty Images)
Ajax’ Ghanaian midfielder Mohammed Kudus reacts during the Dutch Eredivisie premier league football match between Ajax Amsterdam and Feyenoord at the Johan Cruijff ArenA in Amsterdam on March 19, 2023. (Photo by MAURICE VAN STEEN / ANP / AFP) / Netherlands OUT (Photo by MAURICE VAN STEEN/ANP/AFP via Getty Images)
  • Arsenal reportedly intensifies their interest in Ajax’s Mohammed Kudus, while Manchester United views Kudus as a secondary target to Atalanta’s Rasmus Hojlund.
  • Chelsea’s apparent cooled interest in Kudus could pave the way for Arsenal’s potential signing.
  • Kudus, with his impressive performances at Ajax, is in demand and could bring significant value to Arsenal’s squad.

Arsenal have reportedly stepped up their interest in Ajax’s young sensation, Mohammed Kudus.

As Manchester United starts to circle around the player, Arsenal’s firm interest could potentially lead to a key acquisition that strengthens the Gunners’ squad.

Arsenal’s pursuit of Kudus is not a recent development.

Insider reports suggest that a dialogue with the Ghanaian striker has been ongoing for some time.

Now that Chelsea’s interest in Kudus seems to be waning, as they shift focus towards Crystal Palace’s Michael Olise, Arsenal’s chances of landing the dynamic forward might have improved.

LONDON, ENGLAND: Michael Olise of Palace looks on during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Liverpool FC at Selhurst Park on February 25, 2023. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND: Michael Olise of Palace looks on during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Liverpool FC at Selhurst Park on February 25, 2023. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

Mohammed Kudus, who joined Ajax in 2020, quickly made his mark in Amsterdam.

After initially struggling to assert himself, Kudus flourished following Anthony’s departure to Manchester United.

Last season, Kudus showcased his striking skills, netting 11 goals in 30 league appearances.

Manchester United, however, can’t be discounted in the race for Kudus.

The Red Devils see the Ghanaian player as an alternative to their primary target, Atalanta’s Rasmus Hojlund.

TOPSHOT - Denmark's forward Rasmus Hojlund celebrates after scoring a goal during Group H Euro 2024 Qualifying match between Slovenia and Denmark at the Stozice Stadium in Ljubljana, Slovenia on June 19, 2023. (Photo by JURE MAKOVEC/AFP via Getty Images)
TOPSHOT – Denmark’s forward Rasmus Hojlund celebrates after scoring a goal during Group H Euro 2024 Qualifying match between Slovenia and Denmark at the Stozice Stadium in Ljubljana, Slovenia on June 19, 2023. (Photo by JURE MAKOVEC/AFP via Getty Images)

It’s understood that United are not willing to bid more than £60 million for Hojlund, opening the door for Kudus as an appealing alternative.

While the potential acquisition of Kudus by Manchester United looms, the Red Devils have already strengthened their squad with significant signings, including Mason Mount from Chelsea and goalkeeper Andre Onana.

Yet, with Kudus potentially on the cards, United’s transfer strategy seems far from settled.

Ajax's Ghanaian midfielder Mohammed Kudus reacts after his goal was disallowed during the UEFA Europa League play-off 2nd-leg football match between FC Union Berlin and Ajax Amsterdam in Berlin, on February 23, 2023. (Photo by John MACDOUGALL / AFP) (Photo by JOHN MACDOUGALL/AFP via Getty Images)
Ajax’s Ghanaian midfielder Mohammed Kudus reacts after his goal was disallowed during the UEFA Europa League play-off 2nd-leg football match between FC Union Berlin and Ajax Amsterdam in Berlin, on February 23, 2023. (Photo by John MACDOUGALL / AFP) (Photo by JOHN MACDOUGALL/AFP via Getty Images)

Interestingly, the dialogue between Kudus and Arsenal has been long-lasting. David Ornstein, a respected voice in football journalism, reported earlier in the summer that Kudus rejected a one-year extension to stay at Ajax beyond 2025, making his intention to depart this summer clear.

Ajax’s asking price for Kudus is expected to hover around £40m.

With Arsenal previously demonstrating a keen admiration for the player, and Manchester United’s interest somewhat dependent on the Hojlund deal, the Gunners might have a clearer shot at securing Kudus’ signature.