English champions Chelsea were given a huge boost in their pursuit of Inter Milan midfielder Ivan Perisic as FIFA’s financial fair play rules might force the Italian club’s hand this summer. The Italian outfit are planning a spending surge in the transfer market and will have to let one of their highest earners leave the club and this might see Perisic quit the Serie A this summer.
Reports already suggest that Chelsea and Manchester United have opened talks with the player with the talkSPORT claiming that the midfielder favours a move to England. So is he a good option for Chelsea?
Also wanted by PSG, the Croatian international is one of the most experienced players in his position at the moment in Europe. He has 10 goals and 10 assists in what has been a productive Serie A campaign and has been instrumental in taking the club to the 7th place after a mediocre start to the campaign.
He is a regular starter for club and country and at 28, is in his prime as a footballer. He is versatile and can play in any of the attacking roles behind the main striker, making him a utility player for Chelsea. He is strong in the air and his ability to hold on to the ball when needed will be a trait that will make him successful in England.
He is ready to do the dirty work and is a genuine asset in counter-attack situations, thanks to his pace and presence of mind and is surely a world class player who will improve the Chelsea squad.
Antonio Conte has the likes of Eden Hazard and Pedro playing in these positions this season. Brazilian star Willian is the only other option and Conte will be desperate to add some options to his attack, to try and compete on all four fronts next season.
It is suggested that PSG are ready to offer £48m for his services so Chelsea will have to act fast if they want him in his squad. Perisic’s current contract runs till 2020, taking his value up the roof but if Conte is determined, he may well spend the lot on the Croatian this summer.
Chelsea fans might want a more consistent name at that price but in the current inflated market, Perisic’s asking price is hardly surprising. But adding him will mean that Conte has solved more than one problem in the midfield, leaving him with a stronger squad already. But do you think Chelsea should spend £48m on Perisic this summer?
