Arsenal have launched a bid to hijack a West Ham move for Tim Steidten’s next Mohammed Kudus according to a new report.
West Ham technical director Tim Steidten pulled off one of the coups last summer by signing Mohammed Kudus from Ajax.
Especially as the Ghana star was also being heavily linked with the likes of Arsenal.
Kudus has been a revelation for West Ham, shining in the Premier League.
So much so many Arsenal fans have questioned why Mikel Arteta and Edu did not push the Hammers harder for his signature.
Hammers and Arsenal looking for forward
Kudus can play left, right, centre and even as a striker – a position many Gunners feel needs strengthening.
There is a major rebuild on the cards at the London Stadium this summer. David Moyes has failed to future-proof this Hammers squad, which – with 22 players – is the joint smallest in the league.
Another six are out of contract in the summer so around 10 signings will be required.
Arteta has built a young squad at Arsenal, though, and needs just two or three quality players in the next window.
Steidten, who is in complete control of all recruitment at West Ham, has been lining up young targets at home and abroad ready to do deals when the window opens.
But the Gunners are interfering with one move the German has been eyeing for a while.
Arsenal to hijack move for Steidten’s next Kudus
Arsenal have launched a bid to hijack a West Ham move for Steidten’s next Kudus.
That being Turkish sensation Semih Kilicsoy.
Steidten reportedly laid the groundwork for a West Ham move for 18-year-old wonderkid Kilicsoy back in January.
It was claimed West Ham expressed an interest to cash-strapped Besiktas in signing the young goal machine who, like Kudus, can play across the front three.
Kilicsoy perfectly fits Steidten’s recruitment philosophy at West Ham.
The powerful forward has been likened to his idol Sergio Aguero.
He is both-footed and can play across the forward line as well as attacking midfield.
West Ham have continued to scout Kilicsoy and have been suitably impressed.
They will be sweating, though, because now Kilicsoy is wanted by Arsenal.
According to CaughtOffside and Football Transfers, see post below, Arsenal have joined West Ham in the hunt for the powerful forward ahead of an expected summer bid.
‘New Aguero’ could shine at Euros
Kilicsoy already has 10 goals and three assists in 20 starts for Besiktas in his breakthrough season so far.
And he is already being tipped to lead the line for Turkey at this summer’s Euros.
So West Ham would have been hoping to get a deal done before he can attract the attention of elite clubs by shining on the big stage.
Arsenal’s interest clearly impacts West Ham’s chances of signing Kilicsoy. But the Hammers were able to get Kudus ahead of the Gunners so why not the young Turk?
West Ham have something Arsenal probably can’t offer – guaranteed game time. But Arsenal do have Champions League football to lure players.
You can check out footage of the alleged West Ham and Arsenal target in action below.