Arsenal are in the market for additions across the park as the January transfer window looms close, with the club topping the Premier League table and seeking assurance regarding their bid for the trophy. 

What’s the word?

AFC Ajax’s Mohammed Kudus is one of global football’s biggest rising stars, with his efforts for Ghana at the World Cup attracting interest from some of the sports biggest names. 

However, a recent report from Ghanasoccernet has stated that Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is set to use midfield anchor and Kudus’ compatriot Thomas Partey as a mediator in the bid to draw him towards the Emirates Stadium. 

And with the pair both flourishing at the World Cup, with Ghana earning plaudits for their offensive prowess and cohesive aura, the Gunners hierarchy will feel a deal should be swiftly struck this winter. 

Imagine him & Partey in north London

Having both played starring roles for Ghana during the World Cup so far, Kudus and Arsenal engine Thomas Partey already boast a connection that could be knitted closer still, should the former make the move to North London.

And with Arsenal previously utilising Bukayo Saka to lure Aaron Ramsdale to the club, the deal could be replicated once more, with Partey lauding the Gunners in a bid to try and convince Kudus that he is best suited to a move to the Emirates Stadium.

As Arteta will be desperate to bolster the squad with winter arrivals, strengthening a sensational bid to reclaim the Premier League title for the first time since 2004, Kudus fits the bill with aplomb; his dynamism could be pivotal in triumphantly reaching the finish line.

And with a host of Europe’s top outfits interested, adding the 22-year-old to the fold would strike a major blow in the ambitions of rivals, with the Gunners only stronger as a result. 

Everton failed with a £15m bid for the player in the summer, and following the World Cup it’s expected that his value will rise even further,; such is the way for touted stars that soar at football’s premier competition.

The £12.9m-rated ace has been a clinical presence for club and country this season, netting ten times and providing two assists in 21 appearances for Ajax before playing a pivotal role for the Black Stars in Qatar.

With Ghana sliding to defeat in a goal-fest against Portugal in the group opener, a positive response was paramount against South Korea, with Kudus scoring twice as they sank their Asian opposition 3-2

With a winner-takes-all group finale now looming against Uruguay, the 22-year-old will know that further positive impact could see his market value rise exponentially. 

And it’s not just the goals that are attracting the interest, with the dynamo ranking in the top 1% for pass completion, dribbles completed, and passes attempted when compared to positional peers across Europe’s ‘next eight’ leagues, as per FBref

Should the Gunners pursue a deal for this “special talent” - in the words of Opta analyst Owuraku Ampofo - they would wield an offensive weapon with vibrant talent, offering a melange of skills that can see him play in a variety of positions.

With Arsenal looking to challenge for silverware in the Premier League and Europa League, the acquisition of Kudus could prove to be very shrewd indeed, alongside his compatriot Partey and perhaps would be the difference in the pivotal closing stage of this mammoth campaign.