Arsenal are not in talks to sign Ajax attacking midfielder Mohammed Kudus, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.

The Ghanaian is believed to be on the London club’s radar but Romano claims the Gunners’ “priority” is to sell players as they try to balance the books after spending £200m:

“Arsenal have had a busy summer and there’s now reported interest in Mohammed Kudus at Ajax. However, my understanding, for now, is that the priority for Arsenal at the moment is to offload and sell players.”

“I think that’s pretty normal after the big spending on Kai Havertz, Jurrien Timber and Declan Rice. As previously reported, Thomas Partey is someone who has interest and who could leave if an important offer comes in, while Folarin Balogun is attracting interest from Inter Milan.”

“After that, we will see about more additions, but at the moment I’m told there’s no bid or concrete negotiation for Kudus. Brighton have always been interested in Kudus this summer and he remains on their list.”

Arsenal will hope that Kudus is still available once they are in a position to make an offer

There is clearly interest in the Ajax star, with trusted journalist David Ornstein having revealed in May that the Gunners were considering buying him, but it’s clear that money will need to be raised to fund the £40m required to sign the 22-year-old.

As Romano says, Brighton are interested in Kudus but there have also been concrete rumours about Manchester United and Newcastle too, so Mikel Arteta’s side will be keeping their fingers crossed that no other team makes a bid before they are ready to table a proposal of their own.

Kudus would add depth to an already formidable forward line

It has been suggested that Arsenal are looking for a right-sided forward. It is a role that Kudus can fulfil but he is extremely versatile, having also been deployed as a centre-forward and no.10.

Combined with the talents of Gabriel Jesus, Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, Folarin Balogun, Kai Havertz, Reiss Nelson, Eddie Nketiah and Leandro Trossard, Arteta would have a phenomenal amount of talent at his disposal in his front three.