Chelsea have reportedly initiated discussions with West Ham United over a potential move for forward Mohammed Kudus, though the Hammers have turned down a proposed swap deal involving multiple players.

The 24-year-old Ghanaian international is attracting significant interest this summer, owing to three separate release clauses embedded in his contract. These clauses permit European clubs to trigger a buyout for £80 million, Premier League clubs for £85 million, and Saudi Pro League teams for an eye-watering £120 million – but only during the first ten days of July.

Despite the strict terms, West Ham are said to be open to selling Kudus for the right price. It is understood that Chelsea recently tabled a multi-player offer, which was promptly rejected by the east London club. The Hammers’ hierarchy reportedly prefer a cash-only deal for one of their most prized assets.

Although West Ham have previously held interest in the likes of Trevoh Chalobah, Carney Chukwuemeka, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Armando Broja, they declined the opportunity to re-engage negotiations involving any of those players in exchange for Kudus.

While talks between the two clubs have not advanced significantly, it has been suggested that Kudus’s representatives have offered his services to other Premier League clubs in recent weeks.

Saudi Arabian outfit Al-Nassr are also believed to be monitoring Kudus’s situation. However, their primary attacking target is currently Liverpool winger Luis Díaz.

Though West Ham are not under immediate pressure to sell in relation to the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR), the club are nonetheless looking to generate funds to support manager Julen Lopetegui’s summer recruitment plans.

Kudus, who joined West Ham from Ajax for £38 million in 2023, registered five goals in 35 appearances across all competitions during his debut season. Chelsea had expressed interest in the versatile forward before his move to the London Stadium last summer.

At present, however, the Blues are said to be prioritising the acquisition of a right-footed left winger. The west London club recently paid a £5 million penalty fee to return Jadon Sancho to Manchester United following a failed loan spell and are exploring several alternatives.

Borussia Dortmund’s Jamie Bynoe-Gittens has emerged as a potential target, with Chelsea reportedly preparing an initial bid. Nonetheless, the club are not under pressure to complete the deal before the FIFA Club World Cup.

Other wide forwards under consideration include Athletic Bilbao star Nico Williams and Manchester United's Alejandro Garnacho, the latter of whom has also caught the attention of Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen.