Chelsea has entered the race to sign Mohammed Kudus, joining Tottenham in negotiations with West Ham United. So far, both Spurs and Chelsea have seen bids turned away, while West Ham stands firm on a steep asking price.
Where it all began
Kudus moved to West Ham in August 2023 for about £38 million, having previously impressed at Ajax with 27 goals in 87 matches.
At West Ham, the 24-year-old Ghanaian attacking player who can play on the wing or behind the strikers has since played 80 games and delivered 19 goals and 13 assists .
His two seasons so far have been uneven. He burst onto the scene in 2023–24 with eight Premier League goals and a stunning “goal of the season contender” in the Europa League, earning praise from Joe Cole.
But last season, he found the net just five times in the league and four times overall, struggling in West Ham’s poor campaign. Still, many believe he has the talent to shine at a bigger club .
Spurs makes the first move and gets told “no”
Tottenham made their first move last month, offering £50 million plus £5 million in add-ons. West Ham flatly rejected it . Spurs then raised their offer to £55 million, but West Ham turned that away too .
West Ham insists Kudus is worth at least £65–70 million. They point to his £84 million release clause valid until June 2028 arguing their valuation is fair .
Football Insider suggested Tottenham might still fall short, as West Ham believe other clubs will meet their asking price . Ex-Spurs keeper Paul Robinson doubted Spurs could stretch far enough, calling West Ham’s valuation “lofty” .
Reddit fans seem split. One wrote:
“I’m not impressed with West Ham in general… but the instalments is a much bigger deal than the fee.”
Another added:
“Every transfer is different… Could be 20m first year, then 5m each in two following years.”
So while Spurs are close to £60 million, there’s more to it than just the headline figure payment structure matters.
Chelsea jumps in
Chelsea, who already bid around £50 million, have now ramps up their efforts . Simon Phillips writes that Chelsea are “pushing to land Kudus before Spurs,” even exploring player-exchange offers .
Enzo Maresca, Chelsea’s manager, weighed in during his U.S. tour:
“Mohammed is a West Ham player. He is not our player. I’ve known Kudus since he was at Ajax but he is a West Ham player.”
That’s about as much confirmation as you’ll get, but it signals Chelsea’s intent and respect toward West Ham’s position.
Reports say Chelsea might sweeten their bid by offering someone from their squad or structured deals involving other transfers .
Other clubs keeping an eye
It’s not just Spurs and Chelsea. Newcastle United is also reportedly interested, along with teams from Saudi Arabia . TEAMtalk mentioned Newcastle sees Kudus as a fallback if they can’t get Anthony Elanga .
The Sun reports that Al Nassr the Qatar and Saudi-backed outfit with big-money spending has Mohammed Kudus on their radar, though no formal bid has emerged .
So, there’s a growing group circling him.
West Ham’s position and why they might sell
West Ham is under pressure to comply with Premier League Profit & Sustainability Rules (PSR). They need to sell players before spending significantly .
Kudus is arguably their most valuable tradeable asset. Even West Ham fans acknowledge this:
“West Ham open to Tottenham offer… There is a sense that £60 m could be enough.”
Rather than keeping him for free, they might cash in if an offer fits their needs. They’ve said they’d accept less than the £84 million clause for a deal around £60 million at least from the right buyer .
How Spurs and Chelsea stack up
Tottenham
• Made two offers: £50m+£5m add-ons, then £55m total.
• West Ham rejected both.
• Spurs are seen as slightly behind financially.
• Manager Thomas Frank supports the move, but chairman Daniel Levy might hesitate over spending.
Spurs have not dealt much with West Ham recently; last notable direct transfer was Scott Parker in 2011.
Chelsea
• Matched Spurs’ first £50 million bid and now are “pushing hard”.
• Willing to include players or structure smart deals.
• Manager Maresca has openly said “I’ve followed him since Ajax,” showing high interest.
• Need to strengthen attack after recent signings (Delap, Joao Pedro, possibly Jamie Gittens). Kudus can bring versatility and spark .
Why Kudus fits each team
• Tottenham see him as more dynamic, capable of unlocking tight defences on the wing or centrally.
• Chelsea wanted creativity and unpredictability; Kudus has pace, dribbling skill, and flair. As one analysis said, “he can break lines and doesn’t shy from physical contact”.
The player’s mood
Kudus wants his next move to push his growth further. TEAMtalk reported on June 5 that he is open to Chelsea and sees Stamford Bridge as the next step . And inside sources confirm Tottenham talks exist too but West Ham hasn’t formally accepted Spurs talking yet.
What’s next?
It’s early July. West Ham’s clause window (where release clause applies) is open until mid-July, meaning buyers could trigger that if they pay around £84 million. But no Premier League club seems ready to pay that, so a negotiated fee in the £60s is more realistic.
Spurs seem capped around £55–60 million, while Chelsea have more flexibility especially if they involve a player or structure installments. Saudi clubs wouldn’t need PSR compliance but haven’t submitted a bid yet.
Fan perspectives
Reddit posts reveal a mix of skepticism and excitement.
One fan noted:
“they’re unimpressed that our bid is £5m away from their asking price and that the fee will be paid in instalments like literally every other transfer ever?”
Another added:
“Could be 20 m first year, then 5 m each in two following years.”
This highlights how much the payment structure matters in these deals.
Chelsea fans believe Kudus is a smart fit:
• He brings pace and directness, filling gaps left by outgoing players like Sancho, Nkunku, and Madueke.
•He adds a wing option that Maresca can use on either flank or centrally.
Spurs fans are more cautious:
• They know Levy is tough on spending.
• They worry Spurs will lose out if Chelsea decide to match or top offers.
Kudus is ready for a top-six challenge. His raw talent shows in moments a scorpion-kick goal for West Ham was voted Europa League Goal of the Season.
Yet he’s inconsistent. Chelsea’s analysts see that character, but think a structured system can tame it. Spurs hope Frank’s tactics bring the best from him.
West Ham must sell, thanks to PSR. They could accept a £60+ million bid if it's delivered right. That puts Chelsea and Spurs in a tight spot: move fast, pay smart, and meet West Ham’s structure and timing or lose out.