Chelsea have expressed interest in West Ham United midfielder Mohammed Kudus, with the Blues reportedly considering a summer bid for the Ghana international, according to the Daily Mail.
The 24-year-old has a release clause in his West Ham contract believed to be set at £85 million. However, sources indicate that the clause is only valid during a short window—the first ten days of July—meaning any move would need to be swift and decisive.
Kudus, admired for his versatility, technical strength, and attacking threat, has quickly become a key figure at the London Stadium.
He scored 14 goals across all competitions in the 2023/24 season but those numbers dropped in the just concluded season, and has drawn attention from several top European clubs.
Chelsea, in the midst of a rebuild under head coach Enzo Maresca, view Kudus as an ideal candidate to bolster their midfield and attacking depth.
Although the Stamford Bridge club remain wary of spending limits under Financial Fair Play regulations, a player-plus-cash deal has been mooted.
West Ham are reportedly keen on Chelsea goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic, raising the possibility of a swap arrangement that could reduce the cash component of the deal.
Petrovic, who joined Chelsea last summer from New England Revolution, finished the season as the club’s first-choice keeper after Robert Sánchez suffered injury setbacks.
The move for Kudus would align with Chelsea’s strategy of recruiting young, high-upside talent. However, they are expected to face competition, with Kudus also attracting interest from other Premier League sides and abroad.
Chelsea’s ability to meet the early July clause deadline—and potentially sweeten the deal with player exchanges—could prove decisive in their pursuit of one of West Ham’s most prized assets.