Arsenal weighing up possibility of activating Premier League star's £85 million release clause

Over the past two years, Mikel Arteta's team at Manchester City has been impressive, consistently challenging for the title and finishing just two points behind the league leaders last season. Their strong performances have made it difficult for critics to find fault with the team.

The Gunners have curated arguably the greatest defence in Europe, although have found themselves left wanting in front of goal at times over Mikel Arteta's reign as they continue to search for a consistent source of goals outside of Bukayo Saka.

Arsenal consider meeting Premier League star's release clause

Gabriel Jesus' inconsistent availability has forced Arteta into utilising Kai Havertz as the number nine since his arrival in 2023, while Leandro Trossard has also deputised centrally when needed despite neither Arsenal player finding complete comfort in the position.

Martin Odegaard's recent injury has also highlighted a lack of creative depth in the squad which will need to be tackled if the North London outfit are to challenge for the title once again this season.

According to the Daily Mail, Arsenal are reportedly eyeing West Ham's Mohammed Kudus to bolster their forward line, with a move possible either in January or next summer.

The Ghanaian forward enjoyed a fantastic debut campaign in the Premier League last season, grabbing 14 goal involvements in 33 league appearances on the way to a solid ninth-placed finish.

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However, Julen Lopetegui's arrival at the London Stadium has thrown Kudus' future into doubt after persistent rumours of a fallout between player and manager which has threatened to publicly spill over a number of times already this season.

Arsenal are likely to be forced into paying the forward's £85 million release clause if they are to make a successful move, with the Hammers seemingly unwilling to part with one of their prized assets.

After decades of underspending, Arsenal are now no strangers to paying big fees for players, with Declan Rice arriving in 2023 for £105 million, just short of Enzo Fernandez's British record fee set six months prior.

The Hammers currently sit just five points above the drop zone in the league despite a free-spending summer of deals bringing plenty of excitement which has so far failed to be delivered upon.