West Ham to replace Lucas Paqueta with £40m Ajax star as sensational Brighton hijack takes shape
West Ham linked Ajax player Mohammed Kudus
West Ham will reportedly make a move for Ajax attacking midfielder Mohammed Kudus if they sell Lucas Paqueta to Manchester City.
The Cityzens are set to make an improved offer for Paqueta imminently after seeing an opening bid worth £70m rejected by the Hammers.
Kudus has gained a reputation as one of the most exciting young players in Europe. Last season, he scored 18 goals and made seven assists in 42 appearances for Ajax.
The 23-year-old also has plenty of experience in European competitions, which would come in handy for West Ham’s upcoming Europa League campaign.
West Ham will only make a move for Kudus if they sell Paqueta, though. Man City are currently ‘preparing’ a second offer for the Brazilian.
The Hammers have slapped a £95m valuation on Paqueta and Pep Guardiola seems determined to sign the midfielder this summer.
Previous reports claim that Kudus could be available for just £40m, which is a bargain price for a player of his ability and potential.
Kudus is also thought to be keen on a move to the Premier League, so it will be interesting to see if West Ham can get a deal done.
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West Ham eye Kudus after Brighton move falls through
According to reputed transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano, West Ham have ‘opened talks’ with Ajax ahead of a potential move for Kudus. The player is ‘open’ to joining the London club this summer.
On Twitter, Romano said: West Ham now open initial talks to sign Mohammed Kudus — priority target in case Lucas Paqueta leaves to join Manchester City.
“There have been positive talks on the player’s side, Kudus open to the move – still waiting to approach Ajax as the deal will depend on Paqueta.”
Brighton came close to signing the Ghana international. The Seagulls allegedly agreed a transfer fee with Ajax, but Kudus snubbed their contract offer.
This gives West Ham the opportunity to make their move. Interestingly, a second breaking report claims that they could sign Kudus even if they don’t sell Paqueta.
West Ham insider @ExWHUEmployee claims that while David Moyes sees Kudus as the ideal replacement for Paqueta, the Hammers could ‘still sign the Ajax star regardless.’
With that in mind, it will be interesting to see if West Ham table a concrete offer for the Ghanaian in the coming days.
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