Harry Kane Eyes Arsenal Return

Harry Kane has stunned both sides of North London after controversially declaring his desire to wear the red and white of Arsenal next season. Speaking exclusively to Sky Italia correspondent, Aprile d'Pesce, after England's 1-1 draw with Italy the striker claimed it was "time to step up" and a move was "necessary to progress".

Here is the interview in full:

Harry, how was that game for you?

"Yeah, it was a good match and nice to get my first full game under my belt. Italy made it difficult for us and it's a shame I couldn't score another goal but I'm just pleased to be involved. It's nights like this that make me realise just how far I want to go in the game and it was nice playing on a Tuesday night you know."

You've had a good season so far

"Yeah, it's been okay but I can do more. I think it's time to step up, move things up a notch, and test myself against the best there is to offer in and out of England"

Are you hoping to be involved in Europe more at club level next season then?

"It would be nice to play Champions League football but I can't see it happening at Spurs next season when I've been carrying them all year and we're still not in the top four so I've asked my agent, Don Keigh, to look at our options as a move might be necessary to progress my career"

Are you saying you're not happy at Tottenham?

"It's alright, it's a job. No-one wants to work at McDonald's like but we all need some readies. It's decent enough, it's not where I saw myself 10/11 years ago but we've got to the take the chances in front of us you know. It's hard to do a job you're not happy doing especially when you know you'd rather be anywhere else"

The Spurs fans love you and sing your name, does that make it easier?

"Not really. It's actually a painful reminder of what could have been. Every time they sing "he's one of our own" I die a little inside because I'm not you know. I've had a bit of media training and get told the right stuff to say to the British papers and that but it hurts to lie to myself. You don't paint a red stripe in your hair and dance through Islington as the Invincibles bus goes past you if you grew up idolising Darren Anderton do you?"

So are you saying you're an Arsenal fan?

"Put it this way, I make Carl Jenkinson look like a tourist. My bedroom is redder than a member of parliament's backside after a visit to Madam Whiplash."

Vivid. Is that your preferred destination this summer?

"Definitely. Who wouldn't want to swap Townsend and Walker for Alexis and Debuchy?"

It is the calibre of player that attracts you?

"A bit. It's nice to play with better players but it's Arsenal so I'd crawl on my belly through broken glass to play with Eddie McGoldrick or even Francis Jeffers."

Given their rivalry, do you think Spurs would sell to Arsenal?

"In usual circumstances probably not but they have a new stadium to pay for and it's not like they can bank on regular Champions League qualification to service the debt so they'll probably look to sell a few players this summer. West Ham are interested in Townsend in exchange for a spares or repair '81 Ford Cortina which I don't think the club can really afford to turn down. There will be a few new sponsorship deals and the like, the board have agreed a deal for Walker to be the new face of Slimming World, but the bulk of the cash has to come from player sales so I'm hopeful."

Has there been any contact between the clubs?

"Talks are progressing but I don't want to get my hopes up too soon"

You're already in talks to join Arsenal?

"Well, I've heard they're looking for some new canteen staff, mopping floors and the like, and I'm through to the second interview. I'm hoping it'll give me a chance to work my way up or impress the boss. I've been watching a lot of Good Will Hunting recently and I reckon if some maths bod who's mopping floors can get noticed I reckon I could do the same. You know, leave a few Spurs commemorative DVDs in the DVD players and hope the boss sees what I can do. It's risky as no-one really wants to look at this *points to face* whilst they're eating but if you don't take chances..... to dare is to do haha."

Thanks Harry.

"Pleasure"

Spurs manager Pochettino was unavailable for comment last night whilst Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger, when asked if he was interested in signing Kane, looked pitifully at reporters, asked if it was a slow news day and patted one on the head, ruffling his hair, before dropping some change into his hat.

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