Arsenal rejected chance to sign in-form Tottenham star because of two players

Arsenal passed up the chance to sign Dejan Kulusevski ahead of Tottenham in the January transfer window, according to reports.

The 21-year-old had struggled to secure a regular role at Juventus earlier this season and was allowed to join Spurs on a temporary deal in January for the remainder of the campaign.

Kulusevski has hit the ground running since his €10 million (£8.3m) move to Spurs with three goals and six assists in 13 appearances so far.

Tottenham are already set to trigger the purchase clause in their loan deal for Kulusevski, which would see him move to Antonio Conte’s side on a permanent deal for €30m (£24.8m).

But according to The Athletic, Arsenal were tracking Kulusevski’s progress in Italy and considered him a ‘potential long-term target’.

But the Gunners opted against competing with Spurs for the Sweden international as they felt they had enough left-footed right wingers in the squad in Bukayo Saka and Nicolas Pepe.

Conte, meanwhile, has been buoyed by Kulusevski’s start to life in the Premier League.

‘When I was coach of Inter I tried to ask to sign him but Juventus, perhaps they put more money, and they got him,’ Conte said earlier this month.

‘He’s only 21, 22 and he’s strong and good physically.

‘For Tottenham I think he’s a great signing for the present and the future.’

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