Arsenal want £85m West Ham star but must beat Liverpool in transfer race

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Arsenal want to sign £85m West Ham star Mohammed Kudus but must beat Liverpool in a transfer race to secure his signature, according to reports.

The Gunners and the Reds both have ‘concrete interest’ in Kudus, who has produced 16 goals and seven assists across 55 games for West Ham to date.

The 24-year-old, who can be deployed as a right winger or attacking midfielder, joined West Ham from Ajax in a £38m deal plus add-ons in the summer of 2023.

Ghana international Kudus is now fully open to leaving West Ham, particularly for a side that can offer Champions League football, the Daily Mail have reported.

Kudus has a £85m release clause in his current contract – which runs until the end of June 2028 – and the Hammers are expected to stand firm on that valuation.

It should be noted that it is not a certainty Kudus will depart the London Stadium next summer, though, given he is settled and enjoying his time at West Ham.

But the east London club are very much bracing themselves for offers with Arsenal and Liverpool thought to be leading the race for Kudus at this moment in time.

West Ham striker Michail Antonio heaped praise on his teammate Kudus this week as he told Ghanian outlet Pulse: ‘Starboy, his quality, to be fair, is unbelievable.

‘He dribbles well, scores goals, and has great ambition. Although he's missed five games, he’s a key player that we need back in our starting lineup.

‘Things haven't gone well this year, but I know he’ll come back fully ready to go.’

As mentioned by Antonio, Kudus is currently ruled out by suspension for violent conduct in last month’s Premier League defeat at Tottenham.

Kudus will be eligible to return when West Ham face Leicester City on December 3.

He will miss West Ham’s next two games against Newcastle United and Arsenal respectively.