Arsenal and Liverpool reportedly learn what fee it will take to prise Mohammed Kudus away from West Ham United next summer.
Arsenal and Liverpool have reportedly been informed they will need to meet Mohammed Kudus‘s £85m release clause if they want to sign the West Ham United attacker.
Arsenal were previously linked with Kudus in the summer after the Ghanian impressed during his first season at the London Stadium.
The 24-year-old made 45 competitive appearances for West Ham in the 2023-24 campaign, scoring 14 goals and providing six assists.
Kudus has been unable to reach those same heights in the first three months of the current season, having registered two goals and one assist in 10 matches in all competitions.
However, Arsenal still remain interested in the Ghana international as they weigh up whether to make a move next summer.
Arsenal, Liverpool learn West Ham demands for Kudus
The Gunners are not the only club showing an interest, with Premier League leaders Liverpool said to be keeping tabs on Kudus’s situation.
However, according to the Daily Mail, Arsenal and Liverpool will up to put up a substantial fee if they want to sign Kudus ahead of the 2025-26 campaign.
The report claims that West Ham will stand firm on the player’s £85m release clause which will become active next summer.
The Hammers are under no immediate pressure to sanction a sale, with Kudus’s current contract set to run until the summer of 2028.
The player is said to be happy at the London Stadium, but is open to leaving the club if a potential suitor can offer him the chance to play Champions League football.
© Imago
Why are Arsenal and Liverpool targeting Kudus?
Kudus’s versatility makes him an attractive transfer target due to his ability to operate on either flank, as a number 10 or even as a centre-forward.
Arsenal appear keen to sign a new winger to bolster their current options which include Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard.
The Gunners also have Raheem Sterling at their disposal, but his loan spell is not currently panning out as desired.
Meanwhile, Liverpool continue to scour the market for potential attacking reinforcements, with uncertainty surrounding Mohamed Salah‘s future with the club.
The Egypt international is seemingly keen to remain at Anfield, but his current deal is set to expire at the end of the season.
