Mohammed Kudus has confirmed Arsenal and Chelsea were among the clubs interested in signing him prior to his move to West Ham.
The Ghana international made the switch to London Stadium in a £37million deal last summer in a massive transfer coup for the Irons.
That came on the back of talk he was also wanted by Arsenal, Chelsea and Brighton and Hove Albion, but he elected for West Ham.
Explaining his reasons for joining United, Kudus told The Guardian [29 March]: “All the clubs you mentioned, it’s true they were in contact.
“But when West Ham came it moved fast and I made my decision based on speaking to people around the club, their project and how they see me as a player.
“I made the decision based on my gut feeling. That’s how I make my decisions. Whatever the ramifications are, I take it upon myself.”
West Ham see off Arsenal interest for Mohammed Kudus
Exactly how interested Arsenal and Chelsea were in Kudus is unknown, but this is confirmation that they did at least reach out.
The fact West Ham got the talented attacker’s signature ahead of them is a huge credit to Tim Steidten and the club.
Kudus’ arrival helped soften the blow of losing Declan Rice to Arsenal, even if the two players do not play in the same position.
The irony is that the Hammers would not have been able to sign Kudus had it not been for Arsenal paying £100m-plus for Rice.
That money was invested back into the squad and Kudus has been a major success since arriving at London Stadium.
There has been talk of the 23-year-old potentially moving on, but that will not be anytime soon.
Kudus is clearly enjoying himself in East London and he is loved by supporters. Thank goodness he followed his gut feeling.
