Manchester United’s pursuit of Ivan Perisic is getting tougher by day. The Croatian winger’s credibility is in no doubt and he possesses the flair and precision to flourish in the Premier League. The summer spending has already exceeded £150m for the Red Devils with the arrival of Romelu Lukaku, Nemanja Matic and Victor Lindelof.
Perisic topped Mourinho’s shopping list as the gaffer wants to add at least one more attacker before the closure of the transfer window. United have held talks with Inter Milan over a possible deal but the Italian side’s demand of £50m for the winger has been a hindrance to this transfer.
Inter has been pretty firm on their stand as they have been demanding Anthony Martial as a part of a swap deal but United are not ready to part ways with the French youngster as Mourinho wants to give the youngster another chance to shine this season.
The forward has been pretty enlightening in the pre-season and Mourinho might use him pretty regularly as the Red Devils have their eyes set on the Premier League title.
Let us take a look at 3 players who might be ideal alternatives in case Perisic doesn’t come to Old Trafford.
Riyad Mahrez
The Algerian winger was a nightmare for defenders in the 2015/16 season as Leicester City lifted the Premier League title for the first time in their history. The winger contributed vigorously in that campaign but his form dropped in the last season as the Foxes miserably faltered in their defence of the Premier League.
Mahrez has expressed his interest in leaving the club and United could be a viable option. Currently, Mourinho lacks a classy winger in the squad and Mahrez can fill the void.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain
This Arsenal youngster has been considering his future and a number of clubs have already confirmed their interest in the player. He has been a fringe player last season and with a year remaining on his contract, he could be a shrewd buy for the Red Devils.
He will provide Mourinho with an array of options but he needs to improve his final product to have a more productive season.
Gelson Martins
Mourinho has been a long-term admirer of the player and has tried to sign the player a number of times. The Portuguese has sheer pace and his marauding runs on the flanks could prove to be very useful. After Lukaku’s arrival, the need of a conventional winger has been a priority and he could be that X-factor next season.
