No team has made a “serious” attempt to sign Arsenal target Mohammed Kudus, according to Ajax’s sporting director Sven Mislintat.

It has been reported in the English media that the Ghanaian may prefer a switch to the Gunners but, when asked about the chances of the attacking midfielder moving clubs this summer, Mislintat was pretty dismissive:

“There are clubs that have informally enquired about him. I don’t expect an offer very soon, although you know that things can be different in the football world. Perhaps the interest is not as serious as everyone thinks…”

“The best thing for us is if Kudus and [Edson] Alvarez stay, then we keep two top players. But it is also possible that one goes, or both. It is important for us that the relationship with the players remains good. This can be done by being transparent and applying good principles. As we get closer to the deadline, the transfer fee, for example, goes up.”

Kudus currently has a pretty reasonable asking price

As Mislintat points out, Ajax will demand a higher fee for their players the closer it gets to the end of the summer transfer window, as it will be harder to find replacements in time. However, for now, it is believed that Kudus may cost £40m.

Compared to alternative targets that Arsenal are looking at, the valuation is certainly not prohibitive.

Arsenal will have competition from other Premier League teams

Brighton were the first team who reportedly made an approach for Kudus this summer but the 22-year-old is thought to be keen on moving to a bigger club.

Chelsea are known to have made an enquiry for the player too, while Manchester United have put him on their shortlist if they can’t persuade Atalanta to sell Rasmus Hojlund. For the time being, though, it seems as if he will be staying at Ajax.