West Ham fail with opening bid for Chelsea target

West Ham United have failed with an opening bid to sign Chelsea target and Ajax midfielder Mohammed Kudus.

The Ghana international has already agreed personal terms with the Hammers, but they are yet to finalise a fee.

Ajax currently want £45 million for the 23-year-old star, but the Hammers' offer has fallen short of the valuation.

The news should be a boost for the likes of Chelsea and Arsenal, who have also expressed an interest in signing him.

Chelsea recently failed to sign Michael Olise from Crystal Palace and they could revive their pursuit of Kudus soon.

Meanwhile, Arsenal could also enter the race for the versatile star, who can also play on the right wing or up front.

Arsenal's move for Kudus could be dependent on recouping funds from player sales over the forthcoming days.

They are actively looking to offload Folarin Balogun and there are surprise claims that he could end up at Chelsea.

The Gunners want at least £50 million for their academy graduate.