Chelsea are going after West Ham’s Mohammed Kudus this summer to bolster their attacking options, particularly on the left wing. Chelsea showed interest in Kudus back in 2023, but he chose West Ham instead. Now they’re back in for him but face a major obstacle: Kudus’ £85m release clause, which is valid until July 10, 2025.
To lower the cost, Chelsea are reportedly looking at a swap deal involving several players. According to The Chelsea Chronicle, seven Chelsea players could be offered to West Ham as part of the deal. These are defenders Tosin Adarabioyo, Benoit Badiashile, Axel Disasi, Trevoh Chalobah, goalkeeper Robert Sanchez, and midfielders Carney Chukwuemeka and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall.
Kudus had a good first season at West Ham, but his form dipped last season, which might give Chelsea some leverage in talks. But stylistically, he might not fit Chelsea’s current setup under Enzo Maresca, who prefers faster wingers with high work rates. But with potential departures in Chelsea’s squad like Jadon Sancho and Christopher Nkunku, there might be space for Kudus if the deal happens.
The Chelsea Chronicle reported transfer expert Greame Bailey as saying, “So, I’m told that there’s been talk with West Ham a little bit about possibly looking at Kudus and with players in exchange.”
“I believe that Chelsea were offering Sanchez and Dewsbury-Hall, but West Ham didn’t want that particularly, so yeah, that’s an interesting one.”
“Kudus, again a name who could be one to keep an eye on but obviously if it means Chelsea getting these players out. Dewsbury-Hall, we know, is someone who can go. Robert Sanchez is one who they’re willing to let go, which tells us about the goalkeeper situation.”
“West Ham, we know, were interested in Chalobah, Disasi, Tosin and Badiashile. I think two or three of them are going to leave, but I think they want money for them, especially Tosin and Chalobah, because of the pure profit. I think Chukwuemeka has been mentioned as well to West Ham.”
