Manchester United Could Still Rival Chelsea and Arsenal for Mohammed Kudus

Manchester United could still rival Chelsea and Arsenal for the signing of Ajax starlet Mohammed Kudus if they are unsuccessful in their pursuit of Rasmus Hojlund, according to reports.

The Red Devils have already brought in Mason Mount and Andre Onana this summer and are now looking to land a new number nine – though they remain some way apart in talks with Atalanta.

United are willing to spend a maximum of £60million to sign Hojlund – who netted nine times in Serie A last season – but the Italian side are holding out for an even bigger fee.

United Considering Alternatives

While the 20-year-old remains Erik ten Hag’s preferred choice to bring in, The Times are reporting that they will consider alternatives if priced out of a move and may not go for a like-for-like replacement.

As well as continuing to keep tabs on Frankfurt striker Randal Kolo Muani, United are also considering Ajax’s Kudus as an option even though he does not play as an orthodox striker.

Ten Hag Remains a Big Fan of Kudus

The 22-year-old has predominantly played as either a No.10 or right winger for both club and country but his versatility means he could also be used as a false nine.

Ten Hag was actually in charge of Ajax when Kudus made the £8million move to Amsterdam from Danish side FC Nordsjaelland in 2020 and remains a massive fan of the Ghana international.

The Dutch coach has spoken ‘in glowing terms’ to his United colleagues about the attacker, praising his skill and dynamism.

Chelsea and Arsenal Also Interested

Ten Hag believes his former charge has an enormous future in the game and would rather focus on securing a massive talent – even if he does not entirely fit the striker profile being looked at – rather than compromise on the quality of any forward that would be signed instead of Hojlund.

United do have one problem, though, with Chelsea and Arsenal also both interested in signing Kudus and the west Londoners in particular are better positioned to make a swoop now.

While United are waiting to see how their Hojlund pursuit pans out, and Arsenal are trying to trim their bloated squad to raise funds, Chelsea have reportedly already agreed personal terms with Kudus.

Ajax Willing to Cash In

Talks have already taken place with both the player and his representatives, while Ajax are keen to cash in and will likely accept an offer in the region of £40million.

Speaking at the end of last season about Kudus’ future, the attacker’s agent, Jennifer Mendelewitsch, said: ‘I think it is best for both Ajax and Mohammed that he makes a transfer now. Now is the right time.’

Ten Hag Prepared to Use Sancho as False Nine

Ten Hag, meanwhile, has already intimidated that he is prepared to use Jadon Sancho as a false nine if need be, while he hopes to be able to call upon the injury-plagued Anthony Martial more consistently next season.

It remains to be seen whether United can beat Chelsea and Arsenal to the signing of Kudus, but it is clear that Ten Hag is still a big fan of the versatile Ghana international.

For more stories like this, check our sport page. Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.