Arsenal can't sign Ajax star Mohammed Kudus because of six Mikel ...

Arsenal have reportedly joined Brighton in the race to sign Ajax star Mohammed Kudus.

Arsenal are reportedly not looking to pursue Ajax star Mohammed Kudus until they have sold six of their players. The Gunners are looking to acquire the services of another attacking player this summer, though Mikel Arteta appears to be prioritising outgoings for the moment.

The North London outfit progressed markedly last season, finishing second in the Premier League and coming within touching distance of a historic title success. Though Arteta is not content with simply being last season’s surprise package and has demanded further investment so that his side close the gap in quality between themselves and Manchester City.

As a result, Kai Havertz has arrived at the Emirates Stadium from Chelsea, with Jurrien Timber also making his long-awaited move to the Premier League. Top target Declan Rice was also purchased from West Ham for a club-record £105million fee to provide quality in midfield.

According to the Daily Mail, Arteta is now looking at a way to bolster his forward ranks and has identified Ajax’s Kudus as a target in that department – though Arsenal’s focus is on ‘trimming’ their squad.

Arsenal’s sporting director Edu is looking to offload at least six players in order to cut the size of Arteta’s squad – with numerous stars attracting interest that have already been deemed surplus to requirements. Winger Nicolas Pepe, who was signed for £72million previously, is among those firmly in the shop window, with several clubs from around European linked with the Ivorian.

Last season’s loanees Nuno Tavares, Cedric Soares and Albert Sambi Lokonga have also been made available for sale – despite Cedric’s reported desire to remain at the Emirates and try and prove his worth on the European stage.

Arsenal are also said to be looking to cash in on Kieran Tierney amid interest from around the Premier League and he is expected to recoup a commendable transfer fee. The Scotland international was heavily linked with a move to Newcastle earlier this summer, though it remains to be seen whether Eddie Howe’s side has the funds available to pursue the 26-year-old.

Rob Holding is the sixth player that the club are looking to part ways with, amid interest from Turkey. Interest in other stars is also anticipated this summer which could prompt a change in stance on incomings, with Folarin Balogun on the radar of numerous top European clubs following his impressive breakthrough campaign at French side Reims.