West Ham winger Mohammed Kudus would be the "perfect" replacement for injured Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka, according to ex-Gunners star Adrian Clarke. Arsenal were dealt a huge blow this month after news Saka had torn his hamstring during their 5-1 win at Crystal Palace on December 21. Boss Mikel Arteta initially said his star man would be out for "weeks" before later revealing he had undergone surgery and is now set to be sidelined until March.
It comes as a major setback to the club's title ambitions given how crucial Saka has been this season. He has nine goals and 13 assists in all competitions and is their second-highest scorer behind Kai Havertz. Former Arsenal star Clarke - who started his career at the club and featured for the team between 1991 and 1997 - has pinpointed Kudus as the ideal player Arteta should target, saying he would be the "perfect" understudy for Saka in the January transfer window.
Kudus has three Premier League goals and one assist for the Hammers, though his progress at the London Stadium has been hampered by the team going through a slump under boss Julen Lopetegui. Speaking on talkSport, Clarke urged Arsenal to snap up the 24-year-old. He said: "Mohammed Kudus is a player that Arsenal have had a long-term interest in.
"He is a perfect Bukayo Saka replacement who can also do a job up front. Wonderful traveller with the ball at his feet. Could Arsenal test West Ham United’s resolve with a with an offer this month?". Mirror Football reported that Kudus was a £90m target for Arsenal in November, with the Gunners looking at replacements for Leandro Trossard amid fears he could join a club in the Saudi Pro League.
