BREAKING:Mohammed Kudus transfer latest as Arsenal and Chelsea handed huge boost

The Dutch giants are said to have prepared a list of candidates to replace the 22-year-old, who they are assuming won't be plying his trade at the Johan Cruyff Arena next term.

Brighton plan with Caicedo funds

Chelsea could play a crucial role in Brighton getting the jump over the Blues and Arsenal in the race for Mohammed Kudus.

The Seagulls aren't actively chasing the Ajax star but if Chelsea match their £100million asking price for Caicedo, they will be a club to "keep any eye" on in the battle for Kudus' signature, as per transfer guru Fabrizio RomanoMikel Arteta plan

The Independent have now reported that Arsenal may need to sell some players before they can make any additional purchases this window after spending in excess of £200million to recruit Declan Rice, Jurrien Timber and Kai Havertz earlier in the window.

The report goes on to add that Gunners boss Mikel Arteta may still make a move for Southampton's Romeo Lavia if he can first offload young forward Folarin Balogun for a significant fee. However, the Spaniard is said to favour a move for Kudus instead due to his current plan for the north London club's midfield.

Ajax chief provides Kudus update

Arsenal and Chelsea have been sent a major Mohammed Kudus transfer update by Ajax sporting director Sven Mislintat.

"There are clubs that have informally enquired about him," he told Ajax Life, via Metro. "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."

Speaking to Aglemeen Dagblad, he added: "There is no fixed deadline, but there are agreements we must have to get replacements if we have not already done so proactively.

"The best thing for if Kudus and (Edson) Alvarez stay, then we keep two top players. But it is also possible that one goes, or both." Kudus' current price tag stands at £40million but the former Arsenal head of recruitment has hinted the Dutch club's valuation may increase as the summer window elapses.

"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."

Chelsea lead race over Arsenal

Arsenal and Chelsea are both keen on signing Ajax midfielder Mohammed Kudus - but the Gunners are at risk of being priced out of a deal for the 22-year-old. A report from The Independent has stated the Gunners are looking to sign another midfielder and a right-back before the transfer window closes.

Kudus fits the profile Arsenal are looking for due to his versatility in being able to play as a winger, centre-forward and central midfielder. While the £40million fee Ajax want may represent a bargain price for the highly-rated Ghana international, Arsenal are currently unable to meet that price following their early summer spending.

The Blues have raised over £220million through player sales this summer and Pochettino is now hoping to add reinforcements ahead of their season opener against Liverpool on Sunday, August 13. The Independent's report adds that Chelsea have been in a position to offer more clarity on a price to Ajax and potential wages for Kudus - seeing them move ahead of Arsenal at this stage of negotiations.