Arsenal Transfer News Today: Kudus makes CRUCIAL transfer decision & Arteta readies squad CULL

Updated: 28 Jul 2023 06:29 BST
5 min read

Mohammed Kudus, Arsenal, Chelsea — © ProShots/FootballTransfers

Mohammed Kudus would rather join Arsenal than Chelsea this summer, FootballTransfers sources are told.

We have been informed that Champions League football is a prominent aspect in his decision and personal terms with the Gunners will not be an issue.

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There have been reports that the Ajax star would be happy to join Chelsea, and though this is true, we understand that if it became a toss-up between the two clubs, he would rather head to north London.

MORE: Premier League 2023/24 summer transfers: All the Done Deals

Kudus wants to leave Ajax this summer, despite their hopes of retaining him, although Arsenal will only sanction a move if they're able to shift some of their current first-team squad. Folarin Balogun is likely to be one of the players moved on before the window shuts on 1 September.

Kudus has also been linked to Manchester United, with Erik ten Hag seeing him as an alternative to Rasmus Hojlund.

MORE: Saudi Pro League summer transfers 2023: All the Done Deals

Arteta wants mass outgoings

As mentioned, Arsenal will only push hard for Kudus if they're able to sell several players from their current first-team squad.

That is something that Mikel Arteta is desperate to happen as he feels there are too many players in the senior set-up.

Arsenal could still let go of as many as eight players before the window shuts at Arteta looks to trim the size of the squad.

© ProShots - Folarin Balogun could leave Arsenal

The Spaniard currently has 30 players to work with, which he believes is far too many. He told The Evening Standard: "We have 30 players here which is unsustainable. Obviously the market is still open, and things can happen - but we are prepared."

Torres downplays Arsenal rumours

Barcelona forward Ferran Torres has been heavily linked with a Camp Nou exit this summer after struggling to become a regular under Xavi last season.

The former Manchester City star has been linked with both Aston Villa and Arsenal since the window opened, but he's confirmed his desire to stay at Barca.

Speaking to the press in the USA, Ferran said: "The names on Barca's transfer list are placed by the journalists."

"I have a contract here," he continued, "I’m going to stay. I don’t care what is said about me. I’m going to work like anyone else. I am the first self-critic, it was not a good season last year but I learned a lot. These ups and downs have helped me to be stronger now."

Declan Rice LOVES Arteta

Arsenal signing Declan Rice has admitted that he has already made huge strides during the short period he's worked with Arteta.

The summer signing joined the Gunners from West Ham midway through July and told Sky Sports: “It’s honestly crazy. I’m already seeing football in a completely different way.

“You think you know football growing up and when you play, but when you meet managers like Mikel, you realise you don’t really know anything about football. There are different styles and different ways of playing that I’ve never experienced before.”