It is not often that Manchester United fail to land their top transfer targets but last summer, they missed out on Croatian international Ivan Perisic, spending almost a month trying to lure him to Old Trafford. Jose Mourinho managed to land Alexis Sanchez to add to his attack in January but their interest in Perisic has not died.
The 29-year old had a decent Serie A season, registering 11 goals and nine assists for Inter Milan in 37 league starts. But it is his consistency for the national side in the World Cup, where he has two goals and an assist, helping his side to the final, has now seen Manchester United reignite their interests in the attacker.
Recent reports in France claim that Manchester United are now in advanced talks to land Perisic this summer, with the player’s representatives set to fly to the UK this week. The reports suggest that Perisic will replace Anthony Martial, who is extensively linked with an exit this summer, in search of game time.
The Italian giants wanted around €55m for him last summer, and have no reason to sell him for anything less this summer as well. So should United meet his valuation?
Known for his ability to dribble past opponents and create space for himself in dangerous areas, Perisic has great close control, is quick over the turf and is adept at creating chances consistently. At 29, he has the experience to play according to the needs of the game. He can put in crosses, can set up teammates on goal with through and is also strong in hold up play, making him perfect for the English game.
He does not shy away from his defensive duties and is a player Mourinho will love to have in his squad. Perisic is not expected to be a first-team star at Old Trafford next season but he definitely adds a cutting edge to the squad that could be crucial for them to compete on four different fronts.
Alexis Sanchez and Romelu Lukaku are sure to occupy two of the four attacking slots next season in Mourinho 4-2-3-1 system. Jesse Lingard and Marcus Rashford have been promising and will be used regularly and Perisic will add to this list.
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Juan Mata remains the only other attacker at Old Trafford if Martial decides to leave, so signing Perisic makes sense for United. He has been a transfer target for the club for a year now and the fact that Mourinho has not moved on shows how highly he is regarded by the Portuguese manager. But do you think Perisic is the right man for the Red Devils?
