Sport nationDeal Close: Antony is NOT HAPPY that Arsenal are set to sign World-class player that is better than him
enal are interested in signing Ajax attacking midfielder Mohammed Kudus, according to the Daily Mail.
However, the Gunners are focusing on trimming Mikel Arteta’s squad before making any further additions this summer.
Arsenal have already spent more than £200 million on the recruitment of Declan Rice, Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber, and Kudus will cost them around £40m.
Manchester United are also keen on the Ghana international, and former Ajax star Marco van Basten believes the Red Devils should have signed Kudus last summer instead of Antony.
“I find Mohammed Kudus a much better football player than Antony,” Van Basten told Ziggo Sport in February.
“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.”
The 22-year-old ended last season with 18 goals and seven assists in 42 appearances, scoring twice at the last World Cup, and his versatility is one of the qualities that have attracted Arsenal and co.
Kudus can play on the right wing, in central midfield, behind the striker and as a centre forward, and it is clear to see why Arteta is a fan.
The Ajax star is under contract at the Eredivisie club until 2025 but he rejected a one-year extension in April, and has told the club of his intention to leave this summer.
They could be forced to sell him, which could alert Man United and others, and Arsenal may have another transfer battle on their hands.
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