West Ham United’s Mohammed Kudus and Borussia Dortmund’s Jamie Gittens could be the next attacking signings Chelsea make this summer.
Chelsea have already brought in Liam Delap from Ipswich Town and are now focusing on adding a new wide man to their squad.
Gittens appears to be the winger Chelsea are prioritising, but there is also interest in Kudus.
And one former West Ham coach, Edu Rubio, thinks the 24-year-old joining the Blues would make a lot of sense.
Edu Rubio convinced Mohammed Kudus is perfect for Enzo Maresca’s 4-2-3-1 formation
Enzo Maresca‘s preferred formation for this Chelsea team last season was 4-2-3-1, and the Italian had great success with it.
Under Maresca, Chelsea were able to win the Conference League and finish in the top four, earning Champions League football as a result.
Ultimately, with Maresca using a 4-2-3-1 set-up at Chelsea, Rubio believes Kudus is a great fit for the 45-year-old.
Speaking to BBC Sport about the Ghanaian, he said: “Kudus is a very versatile attacker like Chelsea duo Pedro Neto and Noni Madueke, as he can play down both flanks and come inside into the middle. He fits Blues manager Enzo Maresca’s 4-2-3-1 system as well as he is the type of winger he likes.
“But he can also add an aggressive high-press style. His approach to close down the man on the ball is exceptional. He is rapid, intense and effective with it. Kudus can also add goals into the Chelsea squad. His work rate off the ball is very good too.”
Kudus showed his versatility at West Ham last season by playing in an array of positions, which is one reason why he is such an appealing target to Chelsea.
| Positions Mohammed Kudus played in last term | Number of games |
| Left winger | 9 |
| Centre-forward | 8 |
| Right winger | 6 |
| Attacking midfielder | 6 |
| Left midfielder | 2 |
| Right midfielder | 2 |
| Second striker | 1 |
He has a high release clause, though, thought to be set at £85m for English clubs. And Chelsea seem very reluctant to pay it.
The players Chelsea have offered West Ham in exchange for Mohammed Kudus
The Chelsea Chronicle has been told that Chelsea have offered players to West Ham in their bid to sign Kudus.
Tosin Adarabioyo, Benoit Badiashile, Axel Disasi, Trevoh Chalobah, Robert Sanchez, Carney Chukwuemeka and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall are the players in question, but the Hammers are yet to bite.
Understandably, Chelsea would prefer to hand their London rivals assets they no longer want to bring Kudus’ price down, rather than pay his full £85m release clause. However, it appears that West Ham want a cash-only deal.
This is just the first of two transfer windows this summer, though. There is still plenty of time for Chelsea to sign Kudus, so this could be one to keep an eye on.
