Tottenham reportedly have everything in place to sign Swedish winger Dejan Kulusevski permanently regardless of whether he activates the clauses in his contract.
The 22-year-old has made a huge impact since arriving in north London back in January on an 18-month loan-to-buy deal, playing a pivotal role as Spurs secured a top-four finish last season.
It’s been suggested that Tottenham will have to pay £30million to Juventus, if the attacker plays 20 Premier League games and Antonio Conte’s men finish in the Champions League places again.
However, even if the latter part of those objectives fails, Spurs are still keen to push a deal through.
And according to sources at Football Insider, the actual transfer is already ’99 per cent’ done. That figure is also said to include the terms of Kulusevski’s contract, as well as the agreed fee with Juve.
The Swede is a hugely popular figure among the Tottenham fans. Indeed, he was sorely missed when he was out for almost two months after being injured on international duty.
He made a massive impact off the bench in the 2-1 defeat to Liverpool, giving Spurs a more creative spark.
Kulusevski has added two assists since his return and was excellent in the 4-3 win over Leeds United.
In total he’s notched one goal and five assists in 12 games this season but his overall stats are impressive.
The winger has scored six times and laid on a further 13 goals in 32 total games for the club.
Sweden star critical to Tottenham top-four hopes
Kulusevski gives Conte balance in his front three but can also play as No.10 in a three-man midfield. While that is not something the Italian has yet been able to try, with Son Heung-min missing to partner Harry Kane up front in recent weeks, it’s believed to be in the pipeline.
Playing Kulusevski in behind Kane and Son would then allow Conte to use Richarlison from the bench.
However, there is the option to use Kulusevski wide right in the front three. That would then see the club try and sign an attacking midfielder to partner either Pierre Emile-Hojbjerg or Rodrigo Bentancur.
Atalanta playmaker Ruslan Malinovskyi is once again mentioned in Sunday’s Transfer Gossip. Indeed, it’s thought that talks are very close to concluding a deal for the Ukraine international in January.
And while Leicester’s James Maddison remains Conte’s top target, his £60million price tag is a bit rich for Daniel Levy’s liking.
Indeed, there is even talk of Liverpool moving for Maddison over long-term target Jude Bellingham.
But whatever happens in the new year, it looks as if Tottenham are very close to having Kulusevski on board permanently.
Conte’s men are not back in action until Boxing Day when they head to Brentford in the Premier League.
