Arsenal transfer news as Mohammed Kudus edges closer to completing his move to the Premier League after an agreement is reached with Ajax

Brighton hand Arsenal and Chelsea a blow in their pursuits of Mohammed Kudus (Image: Patrick Goosen/BSR Agency/Getty Images)×

Arsenal and Chelsea look set to miss out on Ajax star Mohammed Kudus following reports that Premier League rivals Brighton & Hove Albion have reached an agreement with the Dutch club on a deal.

The Ghana international has been heavily linked with a move to the Premier League this summer having established himself as one of the brightest prospects in Europe.

Both Arsenal and Chelsea had been credited with interest for Kudus, with a £40million price tag being mooted. It had been suggested that personal terms between Mauricio Pochettino’s side and Kudus were close to being agreed, but the player now looks set for a move elsewhere.

The Athletic have reported that Brighton have reached an agreement in principle with Ajax to bring the 23-year-old to the Amex Stadium. It’s suggested the fee is £34.5million, making Kudus the Seagulls’ club-record signing – surpassing the £30million paid for Joao Pedro earlier this summer.

Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi is said to be a driving factor behind Brighton’s move for Kudus. Should the deal be finalised, Kudus will join the club ahead of their first ever season in Europe.

News of Brighton’s agreement comes not long after it seemed that De Zerbi’s side weren’t actively chasing Kudus. And with Chelsea’s ongoing transfer saga with their league rivals for Moises Caicedo, it will come as a big blow for Arsenal and Chelsea.

Having turned down a one-year extension to his contract in Amsterdam in April, Kudus has seemed destined to secure a move away from the Johan Cruyff Arena this summer.

A versatile forward, Kudus had been identified as an ideal transfer target for both Arsenal and Chelsea. However, with both clubs prioritising deals elsewhere, Brighton look set to complete the deal.

Soucre: football.london