Transfer Talk: Seagulls close to stunning Kudus swoop

Brighton are set to beat Arsenal and Chelsea to the signing of Ajax winger Mohammed Kudus.

The Ghanaian ace, 23, has quickly forged a reputation as one of world football's brightest attacking talents for his performances both in Amsterdam and at international level.

And having supposedly rejected the offer of a new contract from his current employers in April, both the Gunners and the Blues have been keen on luring Kudus to London.

However, David Ornstein of The Athletic claims that it is the Seagulls who have now seized the initiative by agreeing a £34.5million fee to bring him to the Amex instead.

Personal talks are now ongoing between the player and club over what would be a marquee addition to Roberto De Zerbi's Europa League-bound squad.

Kudus, who can also play in an attacking midfield role or as a central striker, notched 18 goals in 42 outings for Ajax last term including four strikes in six Champions League appearances. 

His performances at the Qatar World Cup also drew plaudits, bagging a brace in Ghana's dramatic 3-2 win over South Korea.

Kudus' current boss Maurice Steijn gave his opinion on the future of his No20 two weeks ago, urging the youngster to stay put.

Steijn said: "I feel that when Kudus decides to stay for one more year, the real top clubs will then come for him. 

"If we win the league and he scores 20 goals, clubs will pay double for him. This is what we are trying to tell him now."

However, the 49-year-old's plea appears to have fallen on deaf ears.

In other news

The Sun suggest Pep Guardiola wants to bring Brighton's Japanese winger Karou Mitoma, 26, to Manchester City.

The Citizens are ready to let 29-year-old defender Aymeric Laporte leave the club, according to The Mirror. Tottenham, Arsenal and Aston Villa are keen but City would prefer not to sell to a domestic rival.

French outlet RMC Sport say Chelsea have agreed personal terms with Crystal Palace midfielder Michael Olise after submitting a £26m bid for the 21-year-old.