Mohammed Kudus misses Ajax training as Chelsea 'close' to agreement on £40m transfer

Chelsea and Arsenal are both interested in signing Ajax star Mohammed Kudus a year after he almost joined Everton before the Dutch outfit blocked his transfer exit

Ajax have confirmed that Mohammed Kudus is absent from training due to 'medical reasons' with Chelsea and Arsenal interested in signing the 22-year-old. Kudus has established himself as one of the Eredivisie's most talented youngsters in recent seasons, capable of playing in a variety of positions - including attacking midfield, on the wing or even as a false nine.

In fact, CBS reporter Ben Jacobs has reported that the west Londoners are 'close' to agreeing personal terms with the youngster as they look to beat Arsenal to his signature. Chelsea are also considering moving for Rayan Cherki of Lyon after already making contact with the youngster over a possible move this summer.

The Ghana international is a very direct and tricky player, who likes to take the ball from deep and charge forward into the final third. His finishing has also really improved in recent seasons. Last season, in fact, he enjoyed his best in an Ajax shirt with 18 goals in all competitions, whilst also assisting his teammates on seven occasions.

As speculation continues to circulate regarding Kudus' future, the 22-year-old has now been absent from Ajax training due to a minor injury. The Dutch outfit released a statement which read: "Kudus is absent from training for medical reasons. He stayed indoors and received treatment for a minor injury."

This could be a tactic from Kudus to push through a move to the Premier League following interest from Chelsea and Arsenal. However, it is more than likely as Ajax's statement stated with the player expected to quickly return to action after receiving treatment for a minor issue.

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