Dejan Kulusevski has quickly become a favourite of Spurs supporters – but Arsenal fans think he may want to switch to the Emirates.
The 22-year-old was the third piece of Tottenham’s attacking trident as they finished in the top four last season. As a result, the North London side qualified for the Champions League for the first time since 2019.
What made Spurs’ top-four finish even sweeter was that they pipped Arsenal in the last few games to claim fourth. Their run to Champions League football even included a dominating 3-0 win over The Gunners at Tottenham Hotspur stadium.
Kulusevski contributed five goals and eight assists as his side completed an impressive recovery in 2022. His instant impact had fans hailing the Swede as the “signing of the season” – a testament to the quality that he brought to the side.
However, Kulusevski may find himself facing the wrath of the Tottenham faithful if an Arsenal fan theory proves true.
Theory that Kulusevski wants Arsenal move
Arsenal fans have shared a theory on TikTok (via Reddit) that they believe proves that Dejan Kulusevski is actually an Arsenal supporter.
The video shows clips from two different Swedish podcasts on which the forward has appeared.
Firstly, the 22-year-old featured on a podcast during his days at Juventus in 2019. On Lundh, according to the TikTok video at least, Kulusevski claimed that his favourite team is Arsenal.
“I like everything about the club,” says the Swede, per the video. “I like the stadium, the players and their playing style.”
But that is not all. As well as that piece of compelling evidence, Arsenal fans tracked down a podcast from this year where Kulusevski suggested a future at the Emirates.
Speaking on DA AR VI IGANG, a podcast from Swedish singer Anis Don Demina, the Spurs forward shared some cryptic thoughts. When asked if he wanted to play for any specific team before retiring, Kulusevski alluded to Arsenal.
“There’s one team I’ve always wanted to play for, and I think I will play there one day. But I don’t want to say what team it is because it is sensitive stuff. People close to me know, though.”
If he feels that he cannot say, surely the mystery team must be his current club’s rival? To Arsenal fans, this means that Dejan Kulusevski must want to play for their team in the future.
For now, the Swedish international will be at Tottenham until at least the end of 2022/23.
Current Tottenham deal
Dejan Kulusevski joined Tottenham from Juventus in a joint deal with Rodrigo Bentancur. The Swede’s deal is an 18-month loan with an £8.3 million fee. Spurs paid £2.5 million in 2021/22, then will pay £5.8 million in 2022/23.
In addition, Spurs have an option to buy the 22-year-old at the end of the loan should they wish to make his deal permanent. However, even this has some flexibility. Tottenham can sign Kulusevski this summer, and they would only have to pay €30 million (£25 million). But if Spurs wait until next season, they will pay more.
There are conditions on this, though. Should Kulusevski play over half their games and Spurs qualify for the Champions League, Tottenham has to fork out €35 million.
The North London side can let the Swede return to his parent club at the end of the loan instead. Dejan Kulusevski would then be free to find a new team – which could be Arsenal.
Given Tottenham’s liking for the player, it seems unlikely that he will leave anytime soon. Despite this, the potential for another Sol Campbell situation may strike fear into the Spurs faithful.
Featured image credit: Getty