Arsenal deal now absolutely key as Spurs make U-turn on West Ham star Mohammed Kudus with Chelsea lurking

Arsenal Could Hold the Key to Mohammed Kudus’ Future Amid Tottenham U-Turn and Chelsea Interest

The future of West Ham United star Mohammed Kudus is hanging in the balance, with Arsenal now poised to play a pivotal role in determining where the Ghanaian attacker ends up this summer. Tottenham Hotspur, who had been leading the chase to sign Kudus, have reportedly pulled back from negotiations, opening the door for rivals Chelsea—and possibly Arsenal—to make decisive moves.

Kudus’ transfer saga is shaping up to be one of the most dramatic storylines of the window, with the Hammers placing their hopes of a summer rebuild almost entirely on the funds from his potential sale. The London rivals—Arsenal, Tottenham, Chelsea, and West Ham—are now entangled in a complex web of negotiations, leaks, and strategic bids.

Tottenham Step Back After Intense Pursuit

For much of the early summer, Spurs were seen as the frontrunners to land Kudus. However, despite their aggressive approach—making as many as three formal offers—they have failed to match West Ham’s valuation of the player. The most recent bid, reportedly worth £62.5 million, was rejected outright. The deal’s structure, which included performance-related clauses like Tottenham winning the Premier League or Champions League under Thomas Frank, did not sit well with Hammers chairman David Sullivan.

Frustrated with the drawn-out process and perhaps wary of being dragged into an inflated bidding war, Spurs chairman Daniel Levy has now stepped back from the table. Sources close to the club suggest that while they still admire Kudus’ talent, Tottenham may now look elsewhere.

Arsenal’s Role Becomes Crucial

Interestingly, it is Arsenal—who were once among the most heavily linked clubs with Kudus—that could now influence how this high-profile transfer plays out. The Gunners are actively exploring the market for wide attacking reinforcements, and Kudus has long been admired by the club’s recruitment team.

Arsenal previously tested West Ham’s resolve with an offer in the region of £50 million. However, the Hammers reportedly found the proposal laughable, deeming it at least £15 million below their valuation. Even so, Arsenal’s interest has not gone away. Their calculated approach may have been aimed at laying groundwork for a more serious bid down the line—especially now that Tottenham appear to be stepping back.

Kudus, who was previously spotted at the Emirates last season shortly after a fallout at West Ham, has never hidden his admiration for Arsenal’s playing style under Mikel Arteta. Though nothing concrete has emerged recently, speculation persists that the Gunners could re-enter the fray with a more competitive offer in the coming days.

Chelsea Still in the Picture

Meanwhile, Chelsea have quietly positioned themselves as a major contender for Kudus’ signature. The Blues have already held two rounds of discussions with West Ham, and Todd Boehly’s ownership group is reportedly considering a serious move.

There is a sense that Chelsea are prepared to meet the financial demands required to prise Kudus away from the London Stadium, especially with the player believed to be unsettled and unwilling to resume full-contact training at West Ham. The Ghanaian has made it clear he is ready for the next step in his career, and Chelsea could offer him both a lucrative contract and a prominent role in Enzo Maresca’s rebuild.

Kudus’ West Ham Exit Now Inevitable?

The situation has reached a critical stage, as Kudus’ stance appears to have created a standoff with the club’s management and fanbase. Hammers supporters are growing increasingly frustrated with the suggestion that the player has prioritized a move to Tottenham, even at the expense of waiting for offers from clubs like Chelsea or Arsenal.

However, with Tottenham cooling their interest, Kudus may now be forced to reconsider his options. His refusal to train fully with West Ham has only added fuel to the fire, accelerating the urgency around resolving his future.

Final Showdown: Arsenal or Chelsea?

According to insider Sean Whetstone, who is closely linked to West Ham’s ownership, Tottenham’s withdrawal has dramatically shifted the balance of power. Arsenal and Chelsea now appear to be in pole position, with the Gunners potentially holding the ace card should they decide to act swiftly.

As the transfer window progresses, all eyes will be on North London. If Arsenal choose to reignite their pursuit with a more acceptable bid, they could leapfrog Chelsea and finalize a long-discussed move. Alternatively, Chelsea’s financial muscle and willingness to meet West Ham’s demands could win the day.

One thing is certain: Mohammed Kudus’ time at the London Stadium is nearing its conclusion, and the next few days will be crucial in determining whether he ends up at the Emirates or Stamford Bridge.