Arsenal have been linked with a move for Ajax playmaker Mohammed Kudus ahead of the summer transfer window.
According to transfer guru David Ornstein, the Ghana international is on the north Londoners' shortlist of players that they could target at the end of the current campaign. Kudus was named alongside Chelsea's Mason Mount as a player Mikel Arteta appreciates as a potential no.8 in the Spaniard's 4-3-3 setup.
But who is Kudus and what would he bring to the Emirates Stadium if he were to sign? football.london takes a closer look.
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Who is Mohammed Kudus?
Aged just 22, Kudus is a talented attacking midfielder born in Accra, Ghana.
Kudus plied his trade with Danish club Nordsjælland between 2018 and 2020, joining from Ghanaian academy Right to Dream Academy before making the move to Ajax three years ago.
Since then, he has made a name for himself as one of the most talented players in the Dutch top-flight, wining two league titles and starring in European competition too.
Midfield role
Kudus makes a lot of sense as a potential summer arrival at the Emirates Stadium. At 22, he fits the current Arsenal transfer strategy of signing talented young players with high ceilings whilst also having considerable experience for his age.
He can operate as a false nine, a winger or in a midfield role - the latter of which would likely be his preferred option in Arteta's system. The Spaniard deploys his left-sided central midfielder in relatively advanced areas, often arriving in the box for cut-backs.
Granit Xhaka, who has operated in that role this season, has never been prolific in the final third before being utilised in that advanced role this season - where he has netted seven goals and provided a further five assists across all competitions. Kudus certainly has the attributes to be even more effective than the Swiss captain in these areas having netted 18 times in all competitions this term.
Forward competition
Arenal need reinforcements at right wing, with Bukayo Saka the only left-footed attacker at Arteta's disposal so Kudus makes even more sense when you consider that he also favours his left foot, often operating off the right flank for Ajax this term. Like Saka, he can cut onto his strong foot and fire shots off at goal.
The talented youngster is also capable of operating centrally, playing as a false nine in five of Ajax's six UEFA Champions League games this season. Despite the Dutch side being eliminated after the group stage, Kudus impressed - notching four goals and two assists in a group that also contained Napoli, Liverpool and Rangers.
What has he said?
Kudus has been coy when speaking on his future, admitting that he loves life in Amsterdam. Asked about his future earlier this year, he told De Telegraaf: "I am very happy at Ajax at the moment, but I will be even happier if we win the double.
"Why wouldn’t I want to renew? I play and develop well. Now it’s about negotiation and valuation.
"When the time is right, we’ll see how it goes. But that will have to be conducted with my agent. I want to focus entirely on the title race."
What have others said?
Dutch legend Marco Van Basten has made it no secret of his admiration for Kudus, previously claiming that he is a much better player than Manchester United winger Antony, who joined the Red Devils from Ajax for £85 million last summer. "I find Mohammed Kudus a much better football player than Antony," Van Basten told Ziggo Sport.
"Antony has his skills, but he is confused with the things he is trying to do! Kudus has much better technique and he knows what he is doing. Antony may be faster, but Kudus is smarter and more technical.
"He is much more of a footballer, you can place him anywhere on the pitch, an all-rounder for the team. In fact, I like him much better than Antony. He's more fun to watch play."
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