‘I’m waiting’: Reported £23m Everton and Tottenham target is planning January exit

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Arkadiusz Milik says he is already planning to leave Napoli in January, with Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur and Everton keen to sign the sidelined Poland international, while speaking to Sportowe Fakty.

When the Italian transfer window slammed shut eight days ago, it is fair to say few had expected to see Milik still wearing powder blue.

Napoli had made it clear that they were hoping to sell their Coppa Italia-winning hero in the summer; especially given that the former Ajax forward has shown a reluctance to extend a contract that is due to expire in 2021.

After adding Andrea Petanga and new £63 million record signing Victor Osimhen to Gennaro Gattuso’s squad, Milik has effectively been replaced already.

The 26-year-old was left out of Napoli’s Europa League squad last week and it feels increasingly unlikely that he will ever play for the club again.

“I am waiting for the next transfer window (in January). I hope the clubs will come to an agreement then,” Milik said.

“Physically I am fine, I have trained a lot individually and I will play matches with the national team. In three months, my form will not be affected much.

“Napoli wanted to extend (my contract) and faced with a crossroads: sign the renewal or leave. I decided to try something new elsewhere.

“I heard from the press (about being left out of the Europa League roster). I expected this decision but the lack of communication from the club is not professional. I think I have not been treated well.”

TMW reports that Everton and Tottenham, both of whom showed an interest over the summer, will make a new approach for Milik in January. Perhaps in the hope that his £23 million price-tag will be reduced when there are just six months left on his contract.