Antonio Conte reportedly wants Serie A champions Napoli to sign 25-year-old Swedish international Dejan Kulusevski from Tottenham Hotspur next year.
According to a report by Italian outlet Area Napoli, Dejan Kulusevski is the subject of interest of Napoli. The Serie A champions are eager to bolster their first-team squad by signing a versatile midfielder next year. So, the 25-year-old Tottenham Hotspur utility man has emerged as a target for the Partenopei.
Antonio Conte is the driving force behind Napoli’s move, and the Italian tactician is dreaming about bringing the Swede to the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium. However, a January move will not materialise, as Tottenham Hotspur will not entertain bids to part ways with Kulusevski in the winter transfer window.
How has Dejan Kulusevski fared at Napoli?
Dejan Kulusevski has established himself as one of the most dependable playmakers in the Premier League since joining Tottenham Hotspur from Juventus. The North London club initially signed the 25-year-old on loan in January 2022 before completing a permanent move 18 months later for £25 million.
The Swedish international has made nearly 150 appearances thus far for Tottenham Hotspur while chipping in with 25 goals and 30 assists. However, Kulusevski has yet to play a game this term due to a long-term knee injury. Meanwhile, the player’s progress at Tottenham Hotspur has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several well-known clubs, including Napoli.
Conte reunion on the horizon?
Napoli’s interest in Dejan Kulusevski is understandable. The Serie A champions are scouring the market for a versatile midfielder heading into the winter transfer window, as Kevin De Bruyne is struggling with a fitness issue. Additionally, Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa will soon travel to Morocco for the African Cup of Nations.
So, Napoli must dip into the market for a midfielder, and several candidates, including Kobbie Mainoo, have emerged on the Italian club’s wishlist. However, Kulusevski is also a viable target for Tottenham, with Antonio Conte viewing the 25-year-old Swede as his dream target for the Partenopei.
The Italian tactician managed Kulusevski during their time together at Tottenham, and he knows the player’s strengths well. However, Tottenham will not sanction the Swedish international’s exit in the winter transfer window, forcing Napoli to look elsewhere.