Chelsea ‘keen to sign £85m West Ham star’ and have transfer clause in their favour | Football | Sport

Chelsea are reportedly interested in signing West Ham star Mohammed Kudus. The Blues have stepped up their pursuit of a winger this week after Jadon Sancho returned to Manchester United following his loan spell at the club.

Enzo Maresca’s side were in the market for another option out wide regardless of Sancho’s situation, but the England international failing to reach an agreement with Chelsea to make his loan move permanent has prompted the club to swiftly move on to alternative options.

According to the Daily Mail, the Blues are interested in signing West Ham star Mohammed Kudus this summer. The 24-year-old scored five goals and assisted three in the Premier League last season, and his versatility could prove a key asset for Maresca.

Kudus can play on either wing, as a No. 10 and as a striker when required, and such versatility could prove key as Chelsea look to kick on and make an impact in the Champions League next season.

The Ghana international has a £85million release clause in his contract at West Ham which only Premier League sides are able to activate. However, the Blues cannot make their move yet. The ex-Ajax star’s clause is reportedly only active for the first 10 days of July, meaning Chelsea will be forced to sit on their hands and wait until after the Club World Cup before pouncing.

The conditions of the deal could be music to the ears of the higher powers at Stamford Bridge though given that any move for Kudus would not drag on into the latter stages of the transfer window, meaning he can be integrated as soon as possible. It will also allow the club to focus on alternative targets in other departments further down the line.

Kudus isn’t the only name on Chelsea’s attacking shortlist of targets. The European Conference League winners are keen admirers of Borussia Dortmund star Jamie Gittens and are expected to lodge their opening bid for the Englishman later this week.

The Blues are also interested in Brighton forward Joao Pedro, who is being eyed by Newcastle, Arsenal and a host of clubs elsewhere in Europe, and Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike – who has also been shortlisted as a top target by Liverpool.