Manchester United are plotting a move for Inter Milan winger Ivan Perisic next summer. According to recent reports in the English media, the Red Devils want to secure the services of the Croatian as a replacement for Antonio Valencia. Jose Mourinho’s side tried their best to convince Inter Milan to part ways with Perisic last summer, with the Croatia international considered as an ideal solution to their right-wing woes. However, the Serie A giants were reluctant to do business and were holding out for a massive £48m to let their star depart the club. Some sources claimed that Manchester United refused to fork out that kind of money and, as a result, Perisic went on to pen a contract extension with the San Siro-based outfit.
It is now being reported that Mourinho is set to reignite his interest in the Croatian winger. The Special One is planning to go on a summer spending spree to enhance their chances of closing the gap to Manchester City next season. United already splashed the cash in the January transfer window when they were successful in making a swoop for Alexis Sanchez from Arsenal. It is believed that the Portuguese boss reckons more additions are needed to ensure that United can challenge for major trophies in the next campaign.
Ivan Perisic has featured in 25 matches for Inter Milan this season, scoring 7 goals and creating 6 assists in all competitions.
Some reports coming out of Manchester state that Perisic is being considered as a like for like replacement for Antonio Valencia, who is entering the twilight years of his long and impressive career. The Ecuador international has been a loyal servant of the club since making a switch from Wigan Athletic back in 2009. However, Mourinho might choose to recruit wing-backs as he looks to win a Premier League title for the Red Devils, which will be a first league title since the days of Sir Alex Ferguson.
Manchester United are currently sitting in the second place in the Premier League table with a tally of 56 points in 26 league matches. In any other campaign, Jose Mourinho’s team would be well in contention of winning the league but the record-breaking form of Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City has seen them fall behind in the race for the league title. The Citizens of Manchester are leading the Premier League by a staggering 13 points with the Red Devils desperately trying to play catch up with their ‘noisy neighbours’.
It remains to be seen if the addition of Perisic can help them bridge the gap between themselves and City in the coming years if they are successful in pursuit of the Croatian’s signature.
