Enzo Maresca refused to comment on speculation about Mohammed Kudus, but admitted he has known the attacker since his Ajax days.
Chelsea have already been busy this summer, and have signed Liam Delap, Jamie Gittens and Joao Pedro, with more new faces expected to follow.
The Blues haven’t ruled out another attacker arriving, and are also thought to be in the market for a centre back to strengthen Maresca’s squad ahead of next season.
Maresca comments on Kudus interest
It’s been reported Chelsea want as many as nine attacking options in their squad next season, and the attack has undergone somewhat of a revamp this summer.
However, if another attacker is to arrive it’s likely one of the current crop will have to leave, with both Christopher Nkunku and Joao Felix expected to depart.
The most likely candidate at this stage is Noni Madueke, and the England international is attracting interest from Arsenal.
Kudus is expected to leave West Ham this summer. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images)
Chelsea are interested in West Ham forward Kudus, and have been offered the opportunity to sign the Ghana international.
The Blues tried to offer players as part of the deal, but West Ham want cash and are thought to be looking at around £60m.
Maresca was asked about Kudus after Chelsea’s 2-1 win against Palmeiras, but refused to be drawn on speculation linking the 24-year-old with a move to Stamford Bridge.
“Mohammed is a West Ham player, he is not our player so I can’t say nothing. Only thing I can say is I know Kudus since Ajax,” he said as cited on X.com.
Madueke could leave
If Kudus is to arrive then it’s likely Madueke’s time at Stamford Bridge could be over, and the 23-year-old is attracting interest from Arsenal.
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Madueke is thought to be open to joining the Gunners, and Chelsea have reportedly set their asking price at £50m for the winger.
Arsenal are yet to make an offer to Chelsea, but have held several conversations with Madueke’s camp, with the Blues thought to be open to selling.