Dejan Kulusevski is determined to see the positives in reports suggesting Juventus could sell him to Tottenham Hotspur next year, speaking to Aftonbladet.
What do we know, really?
It’s amazing to think, as recently as 12 months ago, Kulusevski was being dubbed the future of Juventus by the same people who viewed Federico Chiesa as an unnecessary addition to a side with its fair share of forwards already.
One year on and Chiesa is not only one of the first names on the team sheet, the Euro 2020 winner silencing his doubters one devastating dribble after another, he has also succeeded in overtaking Kulusevski in Juventus’ pecking order.
Tottenham eye Kulusevski as Juventus jostle for Vlahovic
While the irrepressible Chiesa goes from strength to strength, Sweden international Kulusevski has started just two of seven Serie A games since Max Allegri returned to town.
And with Juventus looking to free up funds to sign Fiorentina striker Dusan Vlahovic, early signs suggest Kulusevski may be sacrificed for the greater good.
Tottenham are at the front of the queue, which should come as no surprise (The Mirror, 26 September, page 73).
Not only would the left-footed playmaker provide some much-needed quality on the right-hand side of Spurs’ attack, he would also be reunited with Fabio Paratici, the man who forked out £37 million to sign him from Atalanta 20 months ago.
“There will always be rumours when you play football. It’s good that more teams are interested – but that’s not something I think about,” Kulusevski said when quizzed about Spurs’ interest.
“I only focus on the next match, otherwise you don’t enjoy (playing).”
While Kulusevski has often underwhelmed at club level, his performances in the yellow and blue of Sweden tell a different tale.
The 2020 Serie A young player of the year was in irrepressible form as Sweden beat Spain in a World Cup qualifier last month, showcasing the vision and passing range that once sparked comparisons with Kevin De Bruyne.
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