Inter determined to keep Perisic despite Chelsea, Juve & Spurs interest

James Shearman

• 22 May 2022 14:03 BST
• 3 min read

Inter Milan are determined to keep Ivan Perisic at San Siro despite interest from Chelsea, Tottenham and Juventus.

Perisic has made 48 appearances for Inter in all competitions this season, though he is unlikely to stay beyond this summer.

The 33-year-old is looking for a three-year £100,000-a-week deal, according to the Sunday Mail, which the Nerazzurri are not currently willing to offer.

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This could allow him to make the move to Premier League, with Chelsea or Spurs, or make a controversial switch to Juventus.

The Blues are front-runners to sign Perisic, once the takeover by American Todd Boehly's consortium is complete.

That said, Inter boss Simone Inzaghi is desperate to keep hold of the wing-back.

''Of course [Perisic staying] is what I want,'' he said in his latest press conference.

''He has impressed me; training him has really impressed me. He has exceeded my expectations.

''I have faced him as an opponent, he is a top player. He has had a great season. He has quality and quantity – he does it all and is complete. I hope there is some good news soon about his future.''

Would Perisic be a good signing for Chelsea?

Despite his age profile, Perisic has shown no signs of slowing down, and in fact looks the best he ever has during his career in Italy.

A strong and powerful runner, Perisic adds a goal-threat from the left flank, like Ben Chilwell does, and would provide Tuchel with another option should the Englishman fall victim to another long-term injury.

And, with Marcos Alonso and Emerson Palmieri both looking likely to leave, a new body in that position needs to arrive and Perisic would be an excellent short-term option.

His signing would also allow youngster Ian Maatsen to develop on loan before being integrated into the first-team squad a year or two down the line.

Chilwell will become the first choice again next season, so if Perisic is willing to give up considerable minutes to join Chelsea then it's a great move for the Blues.

Though, given the vast amount of games across a season, it's reasonable to suggest Perisic would play a key role in every competition were he to sign for Chelsea.

It's not a move that will break the bank in terms of wages, or attract too many headlines, but it would be very astute business.

Following the success of Thiago Silva after arriving on a free transfer, Perisic could make a similar move and be a success story at Stamford Bridge.