'New Eden Hazard' leaves Arsenal and Chelsea 'stunned' in audition for big money summer transfer

26 Apr 2026 15:56 BST |
4 min read

Arsenal and Chelsea are said to have been left in awe after watching a player dubbed the ‘new Eden Hazard’ who is set to make a big money transfer this summer.

Scouts from a number of Premier League sides were understood to have been at Ajax’s 2-0 win over NAC Breda this weekend in which winger Mika Godts scored a contender for goal of the season with an individual piece of brilliance.

The 20-year-old picked the ball up on the halfway line before dribbling past three players and the goalkeeper to net his 16th goal of the season, as well as grabbing his 11th assist too.

Godts has been a standout performer for Ajax this season and the Dutch side are believed to have already started exploring their options over a replacement amid strong interest from Europe’s top sides.

According to TEAMtalk, Arsenal scouts were present at the match, having tracked the Belgian closely in recent months, with Godts emerging as a ‘serious candidate’ to be targeted in the summer after ‘stunning’ scouts.

Chelsea were also represented along with Aston Villa, Newcastle and Leeds, with European sides Barcelona, Atletico Madrid and RB Leipzig also described as monitoring the situation ahead of the transfer window.

Mika Godts: Premier League transfer on the cards for Ajax wonderkid

Godts joined Ajax in 2023 after spending his youth with Anderlecht and Genk and the forward has enjoyed a breakout season on the left flank, leading to his first two caps for Belgium earlier this year.

With three years remaining on his contract, Ajax are aware that this summer could represent the prime time to cash in on Godts, particularly with the Dutch side in danger of missing out on Champions League football for next season.

Tottenham, Liverpool and Manchester United are all also thought to have held a long-standing interest in Godts and with nearly half the Premier League interested, a move to England could be the most likely outcome.

Godts has proven to be one of the most productive players in Europe this season and, while there will be understandable doubts over whether he can replicate his form at a higher level, the youngster’s technical ability will prove intriguing to many sides.

Manchester United, in particular, is deemed as one of the best options for Godts by analytics group SciSports if he is seeking a club likely to play in the Champions League next season, with the Red Devils also keen to bolster their options at left-wing this summer.

Much will depend on Ajax’s asking price, which is likely to eclipse Godt’s €25.6 million ETV (Expected Transfer Value), particularly if the wonderkid is part of Belgium’s squad for the 2026 World Cup this summer where he could potentially further boost his growing reputation.

Related stories:

Arsenal step up pursuit of Viktor Gyokeres replacement

Nicolo Tresoldi: Why Arsenal lead the pack for this €30m World Cup hopeful

Transfer Rumours: Salah ‘discussed’ as Arsenal prepare ‘aggressive’ free agent offer

The FootballTransfers app

Check out FootballTransfers’ new app for all of football’s big storylines, transfer rumours and exclusive news in one convenient place directly on your mobile device.

The FootballTransfers app is available on Google Play and in the Apple App Store. Download here:

•Google Play

•App Store