Liverpool and Chelsea step up chase for West Ham standout | OneFootball

Report: Liverpool and Chelsea Enter Race for Premier League Forward

Kudus emerges as key target for Premier League giants

Liverpool and Chelsea have intensified their interest in West Ham United attacker Mohammed Kudus, with Caught Offside reporting that the Ghana international could be available for around £60 million this summer, significantly below his £85m release clause.

Kudus joined West Ham last year in a £38m move from Ajax after a breakout 2022-23 campaign in which he scored 18 goals and provided seven assists in 42 appearances. While his current season has not hit those same statistical heights, his versatility and ceiling remain highly regarded among top Premier League clubs.

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Caught Offside claims: “Chelsea have re-joined the chase to sign Kudus in a big summer deal.” Liverpool and Arsenal are also monitoring developments closely, while Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr are reportedly prepared to offer significant wages to tempt the player to the Middle East.

Transfer competition building for West Ham star

Sources indicate that West Ham will consider selling Kudus in order to fund multiple signings of their own. The 24-year-old’s release clause becomes active at the end of the season, but West Ham are said to be open to offers in the region of £60m.

All three Premier League clubs admire Kudus for his ability to play both as a right winger and in a central attacking role. Despite facing criticism this season, clubs believe he can evolve into one of the division’s most dangerous forwards.

Importantly, the player is also reportedly keen to take the next step. The article notes: “Kudus is ‘attracted’ by the prospect of joining a so-called ‘big six’ club and challenging himself at a higher level.”

Slot impressed by Kudus performance

Incoming Liverpool manager Arne Slot is said to be a particular admirer. Following Liverpool’s 2-1 win over West Ham at Anfield, Slot referred to Kudus as “outstanding”—a clear endorsement of his potential in a top-six environment.

While Manchester City were linked to Kudus in December, it appears Pep Guardiola has shifted focus to other profiles. Meanwhile, Arsenal remain interested, viewing Kudus as a valuable addition to share attacking duties with Bukayo Saka on the right wing.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

For Liverpool or Chelsea fan’s, the prospect of signing Mohammed Kudus is exciting for very good reason. At just 24, he’s already shown flashes of elite-level ability—beating defenders, breaking lines, and operating in multiple roles across the front line.

For Liverpool, Kudus could thrive in a fluid, high-tempo system under Arne Slot. He brings the kind of directness and creativity that could refresh a forward line that, while still dangerous, has lacked unpredictability in recent months. Fans would be thrilled at the idea of Kudus interchanging with the likes of Diaz, Salah, or Jota, especially with a manager who already rates him so highly.

Chelsea, on the other hand, need final-third efficiency and Kudus offers just that. His natural flair and drive could finally give the Blues a consistent right-sided threat. If Maresca—or whoever leads Chelsea next season—can refine his decision-making in the final third, this is a signing with potentially massive upside.

At £60m, it feels like a relatively low-risk, high-ceiling opportunity for two clubs needing both creativity and goals. The competition will be fierce, but fans from both sides have every reason to get excited.