Pochettino ecstatic as Chelsea close on £40m transfer for perfect Nkunku partner; star misses training as signing nears
Mohammed Kudus of Ajax and Ghana is a target for Chelsea
Chelsea are reportedly edging closer towards the signing of Mohammed Kudus after the player was removed from pre-season training with Ajax.
The Blues are building for what they hope will be a far less tumultuous season this time around after finishing a historically low 12th in 2022/23. Flitting between three different managers and spending the best part of £600m on 18 new players, the campaign will certainly be one for Chelsea fans to forget.
However, with co-owner Todd Boehly putting his trust in Mauricio Pochettino, the Argentine has already brought a calmness and authority to proceedings.
One of previous boss Graham Potter’s bug-bears was the over-sized squad he was forced to work with. As a result, Pochettino, alongside Boehly, has quickly acted to move on a number of stars deemed surplus to requirements.
To that end, Kai Havertz, Ruben Lofts-Cheek, Kalidou Koulibaly, Christian Pulisic, Mateo Kovacic, Edouard Mendy and N’Golo Kante are among the high-profile names to have departed.
And while there is a strong chance that Romelu Lukaku will soon add to the exodus – more news on a possible move to Juventus for the Belgian striker emerged on Wednesday – the focus at Chelsea can now, once again, turn to new recruits.
The Blues have, so far, made four signings with forwards Nicolas Jackson and Christopher Nkunku joined by promising youngsters Angelo and Diego Moreira.
As a result, it promises to be a very-different Chelsea side that takes to the field next season.
However, Pochettino is far from finished and still hopes to add Moises Caicedo to his midfield. Talks over a move from Brighton – likely to be for around £80m – continue to progress.
Pochettino is also keen on adding more creativity to his ranks.
Chelsea closing on deal for Mohammed Kudus
Indeed, reports on Monday claim Pochettino is looking to add Crystal Palace’s France U21 midfielder Michael Olise to the mix.
And with the player’s exit clause standing at £35m, the Blues are reportedly ready to pay the Eagles a fee £4m over that price to ensure they cannot be gazumped for the star.
Furthermore, it’s claimed Olise has already held talks over the possible move with the switch across London said to hold strong appeal.
However, before the signing of Olise gets done, it’s claimed Chelsea are nearing a deal to bring Kudus to Stamford Bridge.
The Ghanaian star enjoyed an exceptional 2022/23 season, scoring 18 goals in all competitions. Capable of playing across the frontline, Kudus has thrived in a free, attacking midfield role.
As a result, Pochettino is reportedly dreaming of adding the star to his side to play alongside Nkunku in what should prove a deadly combination.
And with rumours of a move to Chelsea mounting, Ajax have on Tuesday confirmed that Kudus has been removed from training amid growing speculation about the move.
The Eredivisie giants are putting Kudus’ absence down to ‘medical reasons’. However, football.london reckon it is amid growing reports of a move to Stamford Bridge.
Ajax willing to cash in on Chelsea target
They claim a £40m agreement to take Kudus to Stamford Bridge is ‘close’ with their chances of a deal given further substance by CBS reporter Ben Jacobs.
And he claims Chelsea are favourites for his signature ahead of fellow suitors Arsenal, with Pochettino’s side having also already agreed personal terms for the 22-year-old.
A tricky and direct player with an explosive shot, Kudus has two years left on his Ajax deal. As such, the Dutch giants know the best time to cash in on his services is now, with the star reportedly pushing to leave for the Premier League.
Kudus has played a part in 32 goals (23 goals and nine assists) in 84 appearances for the Amsterdammers. The star has also been capped 24 times by Ghana, scoring seven times, including a double against South Korea at the 2022 World Cup.
READ MORE: Chelsea decline chance to battle Man Utd for £47m star after refusing to take part in bidding war
