Tottenham Hotspur attacker Dejan Kulusevski is reportedly open to leaving the club this summer and is attracted by a return to Italy.
The 24-year-old began his senior career in Italy with Atalanta BC and went on to represent Parma – on loan twice – and Juventus before joining Spurs in 2022 on an initial loan deal which became permanent for a reported €35m.
Kulusevski, who has established himself as a key player in North London in the last couple of seasons, has scored 25 goals and registered 29 assists in 135 appearances for Spurs across all competitions.
The Sweden international has recorded 10 goals and 10 assists in 42 games for Ange Postecoglou‘s side this season, but his attacking exploits have not been enough to fire Spurs up the Premier League standings, with the Lilywhites currently languishing 14th in the table.
At a time when Tottenham are in danger of failing to qualify for Europe next season and may need to rely on winning the Europa League this term to achieve that, Kulusevski is said to be one player who is weighing up a possible summer exit.
© Imago
Kulusevski tempted by Serie A return this summer?
Mick Brown, who worked as the chief scout at Manchester United and Blackburn Rovers and remains well-connected at his former clubs, has claimed that Kulusevski is open to re-joining a Serie A team this summer, with a return to Italy his most likely destination.
Both AC Milan and Antonio Conte‘s Napoli are said to be exploring the Swede’s availability and are keen to strengthen their attacking options ahead of next season.
However, Spurs are believed to be reluctant to let their Kulusevski leave as they view him as a crucial part of their plans for the future.
Speaking to Football Insider, Brown said: “Kulusevski is one who could leave this summer. I think a lot of the players are frustrated with the way the season has gone at Tottenham.
“Whenever I’ve seen them play, he has been one of if not their best player, so they’re not going to want to lose him unless a really big offer comes in.
© Iconsport
Milan, Napoli among clubs keeping tabs on Kulusevski
“I hear a couple of the Italian clubs have been looking at him – AC Milan and Napoli. It’s a league and a country he knows after his time with Juventus, so a return might suit him.
“I think he’s going to be interested in those moves should the opportunity arise for him.
“It’s definitely one I think will be feasible even if Tottenham don’t want to let him leave, because he will want to continue playing at the highest level.
“He’s certainly good enough to do it, so it wouldn’t surprise me to see him go.”
Kulusevski, who is currently nursing a foot injury that has kept him sidelined since the end of February, is under contract at Tottenham until June 2028.
