Edu ‘flying to Italy’ as price emerges for eye-catching Arsenal transfer
Juventus winger Dejan Kulusevski will reportedly be on the move in January with Gunners technical director Edu apparently due in Italy next week to secure the Arsenal transfer.
The Swedish winger, 21, appears destined to leave Turin in the near future. His game-time has been slashed under returning boss Max Allegri, and the club are believed to be receptive to his sale.
They had floated the idea of using him as a makeweight to help land Fiorentina’s Dusan Vlahovic. However, La Viola are understood to be reluctant to sell within Serie A.
That left the door ajar from other Kulusevski suitors to pounce, and interest from England had emerged.
Indeed, he was reportedly emerging as a potential target for Tottenham with Antonio Conte looking to freshen up his side.
But Conte’s side often prefer operating with wing-backs, meaning a move for the Sweden winger looks unlikely. Indeed, the subject of Tottenham’s desire is instead thought to be his Juve teammate Weston McKennie.
Now, according to La Repubblica, it is Arsenal who are in the driving seat for the 21-year-old.
He perfectly fits the profile of player that manager Mikel Arteta and Edu want at Arsenal.
As such, the Italian paper claims Edu is due to arrive for talks next week with Juve counterparts to thrash out a deal. The Old Lady are willing to move the winger on – and are reportedly seeking a fee of around £35m.
However, the report claims the Gunners believe they can secure Kulusevski for £25m – with a further £4.2m in add-ons.
The Swedish winger has featured 66 times for Juventus since making his debut in 2020, scoring eight goals and providing nine assists.
But he has been out favour so far this season, starting just four of their 16 Serie A matches.
Arsenal transfer business could see Pepe leave
With Kulusevski reportedly on his way in, the Gunners are seemingly willing to listen to offers for Nicolas Pepe.
The £72m club-record signing has failed to command a regular shirt under Arteta this season – and is seemingly growing agitated.
As such, the winger is reportedly angry at his lack of game and is considering leaving.
The Ivorian has only managed five minutes in the league since the end of October. As such, he is ‘assessing his options’ as the January transfer window nears.
Pepe is willing to leave on loan this winter so he can boost his confidence with regular game time. English sides Everton and Newcastle are keeping tabs on him, as are Italian outfit Milan.
However, his large salary may put any potential suitors off – the winger is on around £140,000 per week.
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