Transfer rumors, news: Arsenal linked with £90m move for Kudus

Arsenal are lining up a move for West Ham United star Mohammed Kudus, while Rafael Leão is considering an exit from AC Milan amid interest from Barcelona. Join us for the latest transfer news, rumours, and gossip from the world of soccer.

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TOP STORIES

– Arsenal sporting director Edu set for exit – source
– Amorim to have say on Man United contract renewals – sources
– Mohamed Salah posts cryptic note about Liverpool future

TRENDING RUMORS

– Arsenal are interested in a move for West Ham United winger Mohammed Kudus, says the Mirror. The Gunners reportedly have identified the 24-year-old as a potential future replacement for Leandro Trossard, who is being linked with a switch to the Saudi Pro League. An offer worth £90 million could be required to land Kudus, who scored his second Premier League goal of the season during the Hammers’ 4-1 loss to Tottenham Hotspur two weeks ago before being sent off.

– AC Milan forward Rafael Leão is beginning to think about leaving the club, according to Calciomercato. The 25-year-old is believed to be struggling with adapting to the system of new manager Paulo Fonseca, compounded by form that has seen him score just once in nine appearances this season. Barcelona as well as clubs in Saudi Arabia are reported to be in the running for the Portugal international’s signature,but, with Leão contracted at the San Siro until the summer of 2028, the Rossoneri may hold out for his €175m release clause to be met.

– If Real Madrid’s Vinícius Júnior becomes available for transfer then Chelsea and PSG would be interested in signing him, says Marca. The Brazil winger has been linked with a move to Saudi Arabia and Sport claims that he is starting to consider a move, with Al Hilal leading the chase. Any transfer would likely break Neymar‘s world record of €222m, with Vinícius’ release clause set at €1 billion, but he will have options to stay in Europe if he desires.

– Lecce left-back Patrick Dorgu has caught the eye of a number of top clubs in recent months and now Manchester United and Chelsea have joined Tottenham in the race to sign him, says Football Insider. The 20-year-old Denmark international is considered one of the top young defenders in Europe and could be available for around €25m. His versatility has been on show this season, with spells at left-back, wing-back, left midfield, left wing, right wing and right-back.

– Sky Germany reports that PSG are open to a loan move for striker Randal Kolo Muani in January. The French giants spent €95m to sign him from Eintracht Frankfurt in September 2023 but he has struggled to impose himself and is looking to move on. A loan with an option to sign permanently would be considered as PSG try to recoup some of the outlay on the 25-year-old France international.

EXPERT TAKE

ESPN editor and VAR expert Dale Johnson looks at why Arsenal are keen on Mohammed Kudus.

West Ham might be suffering a slow start to the season under new manager Julen Lopetegui, but Mohammed Kudus is excelling.

Kudus, who is in the middle of a suspension after a red card at Spurs, is the king of taking on an opponent. Since moving from Ajax at the start of last season, he’s attempted 295 take-ons — 66 more than the second player on the list in the Premier League: Jérémy Doku of Manchester City

Across Europe’s top five leagues, only one player can better his 295. Savinho clocked up most of his 298 take-ons while with Girona last season, before moving to Man City in the summer.

Kudus in exalted company, with Real Madrid’s Vinícius Júnior, Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams of Athletic Club within the top seven. And he had the best success rate of any of the players in the top 10, getting past his man on 51.3% of attempts. Vinícius, for example, can only boast a success rate of 33.5%.

OTHER RUMORS

– Brazilian giants Santos want Neymar to return to the club if he decides to leave Al Hilal. The Brazil forward, 32, has a contract which expires next summer. (AS)

– Real Madrid have made Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold their top priority target for the summer. (AS)

– Brentford winger Bryan Mbeumo is top of Newcastle United’s shortlist at around £50m. (Football Insider)