Ghana midfielder Mohammed Kudus has attracted interest from several elite clubs in Europe with Chelsea being the latest in joining the list.

On Saturday the Athletic reported that the 22-year-old has emerged as a target for Pochetinho’s side who are willing to make amends for their terrible showing last season.

However, they are also believed to be exploring options in Crystal Palace’s Michael Olise as well as French attacking midfielder Rayan Cherki.

While all three look promising, it is Kudus who may appear as an all-round footballer for the Blues given his versatility.

Here are five factors driving Chelsea to acquire the talented player.

Could be an option in central midfield

The first reason why Chelsea could double up their efforts for Mohammed Kudus is due to inadequate central midfielders.

The Blues lost Jorgingho and Kovacic to Arsenal and Manchester City respectively and are desperate to get experience in that position despite the presence of Andrey Santos and Cesare Casadei who are considered the future of the club.

In addition, Gallagher is expected to leave as he seems surplus to requirement per reports.

With respect to experience, Enzo remains the only notable central midfielder and would need others to complement his efforts.

Caicedo is expected to join Chelsea with agreement between the Blues and Brighton being the only stumbling block.

However, should that deal materialise, the Ecuadorian cannot pair with Enzo throughout the season considering possible injuries and the number of matches awaiting the London side in the upcoming season.

Kudus may not be a notable central midfielder but he has experience in playing more centrally having done so during his days at Nordjaelland while his ball-carrying strength and swift left foot gives him that advantage to maintain possession.

Can play all attacking roles

Kudus stands out among the other two options on Chelsea's wishlist due to his exceptional flexibility. His ability to excel in various attacking positions, including center-forward, makes him a preferred choice. He has showcased his clinical finishing skills multiple times while playing in that role for Ajax, giving him a clear advantage over Olise and Cherki in the forward position.

Moreover, Kudus has also proven himself as a dynamic presence from the right flank on several occasions. Additionally, he can be an effective attacking midfielder, even though his passing abilities may not be as strong as his scoring prowess.

Depending on Pochettino's instructions, the Ghanaian midfielder can be a significant force operating behind the striker. The potential departures of players like Mount and Havertz might influence Pochettino's consideration to utilize Kudus in such a role.

Affordable and accessible now

Kudus is currently available for acquisition, and it is probable that he will still be available next year. However, the competition for his signature is likely to intensify as more clubs express interest in him.

If Kudus continues to impress with another standout season at Ajax, it may even lead to a bidding war among potential suitors. The multiple suggestions that he should move to the Bundesliga, Brighton and Hove Albion, or stay at Ajax to further develop indicate one thing: his value is on the rise.

To avoid potential future competition for his signing, Chelsea might be swift in their pursuit of Kudus. His current price tag for this summer is estimated at around £40 million, but if he joins another team in the future, his value is likely to be higher, provided he maintains his remarkable form.

Player’s zeal to move on

This summer appears to be the perfect time for Chelsea to make the move not only because of the price tag but also because of the player’s zeal to move on. A few months ago, his agent confirmed the rejection of a contract extension to stay for more years with the Dutch giants indicating his willingness to start a new chapter.

Anything can happen in the space of one season including changing his mind to extend his deal at Ajax or accept an offer elsewhere. Thankfully, other clubs who had initially shown interest have not really shown seriousness with Manchester United settling on Mount and Arsenal getting Havertz.

Played at the highest level

Kudus has experienced success both at the club and international level. His remarkable performances in the UEFA Champions League saw him score four goals in six group matches, including impressive goals against Napoli and Liverpool.

Representing Ghana at the World Cup, Kudus showcased his prowess by scoring two crucial goals that helped propel his team to their only win in the tournament. Additionally, he provided an assist for their first goal against Portugal. Even in their last group game, Kudus' adventurous play won Ghana a penalty, although it was eventually missed against Uruguay.

Despite doubts raised about the challenges of the Premier League and how players from different environments may struggle to adapt, Chelsea can find comfort in Kudus' ability to shine on the grandest stages of football. His track record of performing well in high-pressure situations could be an asset for the club.