Arsenal
Aston Villa
Chelsea
Crystal Palace
Everton
Fulham
Leeds United
Liverpool
Manchester City
Manchester United
Newcastle United
Nottingham Forest
Southampton
Tottenham Hotspur
West Ham United
Wolverhampton Wanderers
Transfers
What’s the latest update on Manchester United’s pursuit of Inter’s Ivan Perisic?
It has been a transfer story that has been gathering pace for some time now, but the latest reports from the claim that Manchester United are close to signing Inter Milan’s Ivan Perisic.
It is understood that the 28-year-old midfielder has already agreed personal terms with United ahead of a proposed switch to Old Trafford, but negotiations have stalled concerning his price tag.
The reported in late May that a move for Perisic had hit a snag, with current employers Inter Milan not budging on their £50 million valuation – £15 million more than United’s initial offer of £35 million.
But fresh reports suggest the two sides are beginning to reach an agreement on a fee after months of conjecture, with Jose Mourinho’s side making an offer believed to be between £45 million and £50 million.
Is the Croatian midfielder worth all the hassle?
Despite having the likes of Juan Mata, Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Anthony Martial, Jesse Lingard and Marcus Rashford at his disposal, Mourinho is still insistent on strengthening his attacking options.
It would be interesting to see just how the United manager tries to fit him in to his formation, but the known versatility of Perisic will certainly help; his ability to play as a winger, forward or as an attacking midfielder will be one of the reasons why Mourinho is so insistent on securing his signing.
[interaction id=”5964bd4eed4f1400778e9fa3″]
The 28-year-old has a direct approach to play on the pitch – which suits the direction Mourinho’s side is heading in – and his pace is a useful asset once he’s in possession in the final third of the field.
11 goals in Serie A this season also suggests the Croatian knows how to find the back of the net, whilst his midfield ability is proven after creating 61 chances; eight of which ended up as assists.
Perisic is known for having a fiery temper at times, which if reigned in could truly ruffle some feathers in the Premier League next season – but it’s this passion that Mourinho loves from his sides.
How likely is it that a move will take place?
There’s a sense that it’s just a matter of time before United meet Inter’s valuation of Perisic and the two clubs strike a deal, with the Croatian keen to join the Premier League – as per .
But – as always – rumours have to be taken with a pinch of salt, and it was reported by Italian news outlet that new Inter boss Luciano Spalletti has no intention of letting him leave.
Speaking the other day, he said: “For the distracted players there will be less room, and for those attracted by the thought of staying at Inter there will be more space.
“Perisic is an important player for us. Do not expect me to say that he wants to leave, it would be bad. We’ll see what his intentions are.”
It’s certainly a transfer saga that remains in the balance as we head towards the end of July, but Mourinho is a man who, more often than not, gets who he wants – just look at Romelu Lukaku’s case.
Featured Image: All rights reserved by