Chelsea are not ‘leading the race’ to sign in-demand Ajax attacking midfielder Mohammed Kudus, according to journalist Dean Jones.
The Ghana international has caught the eye at the World Cup and has been linked with a move to the Premier League since the summer, although a switch to Stamford Bridge appears to be unlikely.
Chelsea transfer news – Mohammed Kudus
Spanish sources have claimed that Chelsea are the latest side to take an interest in Kudus following his impressive exploits for both club and country this season.
The likes of Liverpool, Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain have also been listed among the 22-year-old’s potential suitors, while he admitted that he was ‘really close to joining Everton’ over the summer, who saw a £15 million bid rejected for him.
“I was really close to joining Everton. I thought it was a good project for me and I felt I should try it,” explained Kudus on Joy TV.
“It wasn’t like this season was my first (at Ajax), it was my third. So, if I’m not getting the progress I’m looking for, then why not try something else?”
Kudus’ exploits on the pitch may mean he is now out of the Toffees’ reach, and Chelsea are seemingly one of European football’s heavyweights who are weighing up a move.
What has Jones said about Kudus?
Jones has disclosed that scouts have been ‘tracking’ Kudus ‘all season’ although he has questioned whether Chelsea are at the front of the queue for his signature.
Read more: January Transfer Window 2023: When Does It Begin, Rumours and Everything You Need To Know
In an interview with GiveMeSport, he said: “There's always likely to be a breakout player from this tournament. He's had scouts tracking him all season.
“From what I know, Chelsea aren't one of those that were leading the race or anything like that, so specifically Chelsea, I'm not sure they're there right now.”
Would Kudus be a good signing?
Kudus, who is capable of playing as an attacking midfielder or upfront, has registered 10 goals and two assists in 20 appearances for Ajax this season.
And the technically gifted star has carried that form onto the international stage at the World Cup, bagging a brace in a crucial 3-2 victory over South Korea.
As per FBref, Kudus has also ranked in the 99th percentile for completed dribbles, 97th for progressive passes and total shots, 96th for touches in the attacking penalty area and progressive passes received, and 86th for shot-creating actions and tackles amongst his positional peers over the last year.
Chelsea are already blessed with a plethora of talented attacking options, but Kudus appears to be a player who could add something different to Graham Potter’s forward line.