28 July 2023 , 12:43
1188
0
Ajax sporting director Sven Mislintat has insisted he is not expecting a bid for Mohammed Kudus, despite interest from Arsenal and Chelsea.
Kudus has become a target for both clubs after he scored 18 goals and notched seven assists in all competitions last season. The attacker joined the Dutch giants from Nordsjælland three years ago and could now become the latest to depart Amsterdam for a big-money fee.
But with two years still remaining on his contract, Ajax are in a strong negotiating position. The Eredivisie side recently sold Jurrien Timber to the Gunners for £40million, and have slapped a £70m price tag on Kudus' head.
It appears the tactic of demanding a high fee will see Kudus remain at the Johan Cruyff Arena. Mislintat, who was previously sporting director at the Gunners, certainly thinks so, as he took a swipe at the clubs eyeing a move.
“There are clubs that have informally inquired about him. I don't expect an offer very soon, although you know that things can be different in the football world," Mislintat told AjaxLife.
Chelsea complete record-breaking Enzo Fernandez transfer after deadline day rush
"Perhaps the interest is not as serious as everyone thinks for the time being. At the same time, we know that the market in England has not really started yet. Those clubs are all in America for their preparation.
"It is not the case that we work with deadlines in the sense of: you can leave until that date and not after that. But you can agree on certain principles, such as that the desired amount will increase towards the end of the transfer window.
HAVE YOUR SAY! Should Mohamed Kudus push for an exit from Ajax? Comment below.
Sven Mislintat has downplayed the chances of Kudus leaving Ajax (AFP /AFP via Getty Images)“[Timber] has given us the opportunity to earn more from him in exchange for a higher salary. That kind of thing works both ways.”
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has hinted though that he will not be looking for addition recruits up-front. Instead, the Gunners appear set to begin attempting to trim down their squad after the arrivals of Timber, Declan Rice and Kai Havertz.
"We have 30 players here which is unsustainable, and obviously the market is still open, and things can happen - but we are prepared. We are really happy with the squad we have at the moment," Arteta said after the 5-3 win over Barcelona.
"We obviously have improvements to make in terms of what we want to do in games, and we have to do that. Overall, I’m really pleased with the team. We have to score as many goals as possible. If we have somebody that can score 25, 30, 40 goals, then great.
"Today, Gabby didn’t score but it’s the best Gabby that I’ve seen for months. Again, he gave that energy, that belief, he was creating lot of chaos, a lot of good moments – he was making everybody better and I’m really pleased with that.
"And the contribution from Kai as well, that’s why he’s playing, he’s got that quality, in and around that position with Leo. We have a lot of options up front and they’re going to have to compete between them to give me a hard time."