Arsenal linked with January move for Juventus forward Dejan Kulusevski

Arsenal have been credited with an interest in signing wantaway Juventus forward Dejan Kulusevski in January, according to Calciomercato.

The Sweden international has experienced a tough campaign with the Bianconeri. He has played just 422 minutes across 15 appearances.

Ahead of the New Year, the 21-year-old is assessing his options. The Turin giants are willing to sell him on a permanent deal for around £29.3m (€35m).

Tottenham Hotspur have also been linked with his services because of sporting director Fabio Paratici, who previously signed him for the Turin giants.

Our view:

Kulusevski had a promising stint with Parma in 2019/2020, bagging 10 goals and nine assists from 36 Serie A games.

He excelled from the right-wing role despite playing as a central midfielder in his youth career at Atalanta.

The Swede has since played as a centre-forward, and his versatility ability is a definite boost for any team.

Kulusevski would be a quality addition to the Gunners’ attack with his tireless workrate and good dribbling ability.

He has looked far from his best at the Bianconeri, but a fresh challenge could bring the best out of him.

Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe are nailed down starters for the Gunners in a 4-4-2 set-up at the moment.

However, Mikel Arteta could revert to the 4-2-3-1 formation in future with Smith Rowe playing as the number 10.

This could open up a spot for Kulusevski out wide. His arrival will raise serious doubts over Nicolas Pepe’s future.

Pepe has played just 122 minutes of league football over the past six games. He has been an unused substitute thrice.

He had a bright end to last season with five goals in three games, but has failed to carry over the momentum.

Pepe has been prone to being dispossessed regularly, and does not appear in Arteta’s plans for now.

The club may look to cut their losses on the Ivorian, who cost them a record fee of £72m in 2019.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com

Read: Arsenal open to extending Alexandre Lacazette’s contract on one condition.