Tottenham transfer news: Ivan Perisic move explored as Conte maps out exciting deal plan
Tottenham are pondering a raid for Inter star Ivan Perisic, but Juventus lead the race for the soon-to-be free agent, a report has claimed.
The Croatia international has made his name across Europe as a prolific, but adaptable winger and wing-back. He has also starred under some of the continent’s top managers.
While he won a double with Jurgen Klopp at Borussia Dortmund, he helped Antonio Conte to a Serie A title with Inter last season.
And according to ESPN, Tottenham are exploring a deal to reunite Perisic with Conte in London.
The 33-year-old’s contract in Milan expires this summer and it remains unclear if he will renew.
Perisic is still in talks with Inter chiefs and his agent, but they have yet to make a breakthrough with just over a month to reach an agreement.
As a result, the 113-cap Croatia international is beginning to look elsewhere.
And while ESPN adds that Juventus are leading the race for him and want to keep him in Italy, Tottenham think they have a chance at signing Perisic.
The player adapted brilliantly to a wing-back role in Conte’s preferred three-at-the-back formation last season. Conte believes he could fit Perisic into his current team.
As such, the Croatian is reportedly ‘open’ to doing so again but in a league he has never experienced before.
Perisic has played in Croatia, France, Belgium, Germany and Italy but never in England.
He has made another 48 appearances for Inter this season, chipping in with nine goals and nine assists.
Perisic a solid Tottenham option
Conte has a habit of knowing exactly who he wants to sign and also knowing they will perform brilliantly.
He tried to add Romelu Lukaku to Chelsea’s Premier League title-winning team in 2017.
And though the deal did not materialise, Lukaku signed for Conte’s Inter in 2019. The Belgian subsequently fired the club to the Serie A title last season.
Perisic is another player Conte knows he can trust having also worked with him in Italy.
And given the manager does not seemingly know his best option at wing-back – with Matt Doherty, Ryan Sessegnon and Emerson Royal all battling for minutes – Perisic would slot in seamlessly.
He has significant title-winning experience and also helped Croatia to the 2018 World Cup final.
He has also made 41 Champions League appearances and would have the know-how for next season if Spurs finish in the Premier League’s top four on Sunday.
