Chelsea open talks with Ajax for Mohammed Kudus

Chelsea have expressed an interest in signing Ajax winger Mohammed Kudus, reports the Athletic.

Kudus signed for Ajax in the summer transfer window of 2020, arriving from Nordsjaelland on a five-year contract for an estimated €9 million fee. Since then, he has made a name for himself as one of the most promising young wingers in Europe.

Last season, the 22-year-old was one of his side’s main men. He scored 18 and assisted seven in all competitions, including strikes against Liverpool and Napoli in the Champions League group stages.

Furthermore, the wide man has earned 24 caps for the Ghana national team. He started all three games for the Black Stars at the World Cup in Qatar, scoring a brace in the 3-2 victory over South Korea.

According to the Athletic, Kudus is in demand at Chelsea. The Blues have made contact with Ajax over a deal, and an opening offer is expected.

New manager Mauricio Pochettino arrives at Stamford Bridge with an almighty task on his hands. Chelsea endured their worst campaign in decades last season, finishing 12th and failing to win a trophy despite forking out over €600m in transfer fees.

This summer, the south-west Londoners have been offloading several big names. 12 of last year’s first team players have departed, including the likes of Mason Mount, N’Golo Kante, Kai Havertz, and Mateo Kovacic.

Meanwhile, two senior players have arrived. Christopher Nkunku was signed from RB Leipzig, and Nicolas Jackson has been recruited from Villarreal.

Pochettino will begin his reign at Chelsea with a home clash against Liverpool. This is followed by a trip to the London Stadium to face West Ham United, before finishing the month with a visit from newly-promoted Luton Town.