Mohammed Kudus confirms he rejected Premier League giants for West Ham

West Ham United star Mohammed Kudus has claimed he rejected Arsenal and Chelsea to sign for the east London side after being impressed by their long-term vision.

Kudus has been an immediate hit at London Stadium since arriving from Ajax in a £38m move in the summer, registering 13 goals in 34 appearances for the Hammers in all comPetitions so far in 2023/24.

David Moyes wasn't the only manager eyeing Kudus last year. Brighton had agreed a club-record fee with the Dutch giants, while Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United were all interested in the 23-year-old Ghana international.

However, ahead of Saturday's 4-3 defeat to Newcastle at St James' Park, Kudus revealed he made a decision on instinct to sign for the Irons.

He told The Guardian: "I was ready to make that step after the season I had at Ajax. I'm a player who doesn't want to be in my comfort zone. I could have stayed at Ajax. I knew the league, I knew the club. But I don't want to be complacent and comfortable. I always want to challenge myself.

"All the clubs you mentioned, it's true they were in contact. But when West Ham came it moved fast and I made my decision based on speaking to people around the club, their project and how they see me as a player.

"I made the decision based on my gut feeling. That's how I make my decisions. Whatever the ramifications are, I take it upon myself."

Kudus' goal was against the Magpies on Saturday was his seventh in the Premier League so far this season, having also contributed four assists in 25 Games in an exciting attack alongside Jarrod Bowen and Lucas Paqueta.

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