Brighton & Hove Albion have reportedly joined a number of Premier League and European clubs in the race to sign Ajax attacker Mohammed Kudus.
The 22-year-old has spent the last three years with the Dutch giants, but he elevated his game to new heights during the 2022-23 campaign, scoring 18 goals and providing six assists in 42 appearances across all tournaments.
Kudus notched up 11 goals in 30 Eredivisie games as well as four strikes in six Champions League group-stage matches, while the Ghana international also chipped in with two goals in three games for his country at the 2022 World Cup.
Although Kudus still has two years remaining on his Ajax contract, it is widely expected that the attacker will leave the Dutch club, who failed to qualify for next season's Champions League, ahead of the 2023-24 season.
Kudus's agent Jennifer Mendelewitsch suggested last month that a big-money exit could be on the cards this summer, stating that it is "the right time" for the attacker to seek pastures new.
Kudus is believed to be keen to secure a move to the Premier League amid interest from a host of English clubs including Manchester United, who are now managed by former Ajax boss Erik ten Hag.
Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool have also been credited with an interest, as have Real Madrid, AC Milan and Borussia Dortmund.
However, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano, Brighton are the latest club to have expressed a 'concrete' interest in Kudus.
Romano adds that the Ghanaian has been identified as one of the Seagulls' top targets this summer, although it is said that a potential move to the Amex Stadium is "not an easy deal" to complete.
Chelsea, meanwhile, are believed to have identified Kudus as a potential replacement for Arsenal-bound Kai Havertz, but Romano claims that the Blues are yet to enter concrete talks to recruit the attacker.
Kudus operated as an advanced midfielder during his first two seasons at Ajax, but he was pushed further forward in the 2022-23 season and predominantly featured as either a central striker or on the right flank.
The Ghanaian's versatility seemingly appeals to Brighton head coach Roberto De Zerbi, who is hoping to build on last season's sixth-placed finish in the Premier League and bolster his squad ahead of the club embarking on their first-ever campaign in the Europa League group stage.
The Seagulls have already made three signings so far this summer, with midfield duo James Milner and Mahmoud Dahoud joining on free transfers and forward Joao Pedro arriving from Watford for a reported club-record fee.
Brighton are also believed to be closing in on the €20m (£17m) signing of Anderlecht goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen, who recently expressed his desire to play in the Premier League.
However, the South-coast club have allowed World Cup winner Alexis Mac Allister to join Liverpool, while fellow star midfielder Moises Caicedo could also be on the move this summer amid strong interest from Chelsea. body check tags ::
