Mikel Arteta Eyes West Ham Forward as Arsenal Seek Summer Midfield Reinforcements | OneFootball

Arsenal Revive Interest in Kudus Amid Summer Rebuild Plans

Arsenal’s attention has turned once more to Mohammed Kudus, the West Ham winger who continues to attract glances from across the Premier League. According to talkSPORT, the Gunners have reignited their long-standing admiration for the Ghanaian international and added him to their list of summer transfer targets.

The appeal is understandable. Kudus, technically gifted and fearless in one-on-one situations, offers a level of unpredictability and invention Arsenal’s attack at times sorely lacked during their faltering title run-in. While Mikel Arteta’s side have evolved tactically and structurally, creativity in the final third remains a clear area for improvement — particularly in moments when opposition defences sit deep and space is at a premium.

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Price Tag May Dictate Outcome

The challenge for Arsenal will be one of valuation. Kudus has a release clause of £85 million in his West Ham contract, a figure considered steep given the player’s form has oscillated throughout the season.

“Kudus has an £85m release clause in his contract, although it is unlikely Arsenal would be willing to pay that high a fee after an inconsistent campaign for the 24-year-old.”

While moments of brilliance have shone through — including a standout display in West Ham’s 1-0 victory at the Emirates Stadium — inconsistency remains a concern for potential suitors. That said, West Ham are reportedly willing to sell if it helps them reset following a disappointing campaign.

Kudus Fits Arteta’s Tactical Ambitions

Mikel Arteta is understood to be searching for more dynamism and creativity, particularly in wide areas and attacking midfield. Kudus, capable of operating on either flank or through the middle, fits that flexible profile. His combination of close control, drive, and a willingness to take risks aligns with the manager’s attacking ethos. “Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is looking to add more creativity to his team after seeing the Gunners’ title challenge fade away.”

This pursuit of flair is not just stylistic; it’s also a strategic necessity. As the club looks to mount another serious title bid, supplementing existing options like Bukayo Saka and Martin Ødegaard will be vital to maintaining rhythm across a long and taxing season.

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Financial Logic Behind West Ham’s Position

West Ham’s openness to cashing in makes this deal plausible. After a lacklustre campaign, the Hammers are looking to rebuild, and selling Kudus would allow them to reinvest wisely. Having only signed the Ghanaian last summer, they could still command a profit, particularly if multiple clubs enter the frame.

Kudus remains a high-ceiling player with untapped potential. For Arsenal, it would be a case of judging whether that potential justifies the cost — or if West Ham’s willingness to sell can bring the price into a more reasonable bracket.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

Arsenal’s renewed interest in Mohammed Kudus feels like a move that blends ambition with necessity. We’ve seen flashes of his brilliance — that game at the Emirates sticks in the memory — and it’s clear he can deliver against top opposition. But the question is, would he bring consistency, or simply add to a growing list of talented but unpredictable wide options?

There’s excitement about what Kudus could become under Arteta’s structured coaching. His versatility and fearless style could make him a strong rotation piece and perhaps even a game-changer off the bench. However, £85 million is a huge investment for a player who hasn’t yet put together a full standout Premier League season.

If the club can negotiate a lower fee, Kudus might just be the perfect addition — not the finished article, but a player with the tools to thrive at a club with Champions League aspirations. And that’s exactly what this Arsenal project needs now: players who can grow, not stagnate.