Romano addresses speculation claiming Arsenal want £40m Man Utd, Brighton target | OneFootball

Mohammed Kudus has been linked with the Premier League.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano insists there has been “no bid or concrete negotiation” from Arsenal for Ajax midfielder Mohammed Kudus.

The Gunners are reportedly looking to sign another midfielder in the summer transfer window with Mikel Arteta and technical director Edu already sealing deals for three of their five targets.

There were claims before the transfer window that the duo wanted two midfielders, a forward, a right-back and a centre-back this summer with Kai Havertz, Declan Rice and Jurrien Timber arriving so far,

A report in the Daily Mail on Tuesday claimed that Arsenal are now considering a move for Ajax midfielder Kudus, who has been attracting interest from Manchester United and Brighton this summer.

His ability to play as a central or attacking midfielder, or as a winger on occasion appeals to Arsenal with Arteta looking for that versatility in his squad,

Kudus’ market value is around £40m, according to Transfermarkt, and it would probably take a bid north of that amount to land the Ghana international this summer.

But Romano has provided an update on the situation with the Italian journalist pouring cold water on the speculation.

Romano wrote in his Caught Offside column: “Arsenal have had a busy summer and there’s now reported interest in Mohammed Kudus at Ajax. However, my understanding for now is that the priority for Arsenal at the moment is to offload and sell players.

“I think that’s pretty normal after the big spending on Kai Havertz, Jurrien Timber and Declan Rice. As previously reported, Thomas Partey is someone who has interest and who could leave if an important offer comes in, while Folarin Balogun is attracting interest from Inter Milan.

“After that we will see about more additions, but at the moment I’m told there’s no bid or concrete negotiation for Kudus. Brighton have always been interested in Kudus this summer and he remains on their list.

“Speaking of Declan Rice, it was confirmed yesterday by Thomas Tuchel that Bayern Munich had an interest in the player before he joined Arsenal. Bayern wanted Rice but it was never a concrete negotiation because Declan only wanted to stay in England and Arsenal started the ‘Rice deal project’ as early as January… they were way ahead.

“In terms of the Ryan Gravenberch situation – he remains an important player for Bayern and they want him to stay, he’s not linked to the Rice deal for Bayern in any way as he’s a completely different kind of midfield player.”