Manchester United have reportedly reignited their interest in Ivan Perisic as they look to identify the replacement for outbound Anthony Martial.
According to a report by Daily Mirror, Manchester United want to secure a replacement for Anthony Martial before they let him leave the club. Jose Mourinho has thus, set his sights back on Ivan Perisic following the Croatian international’s exploits at the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
Perisic has been a long-term target for Manchester United, who even tried signing him last summer. But, a move had failed to materialise as Inter Milan kept hold of the Croatian international. Following his exploits at the 2018 FIFA World Cup though, interest in the 29-year-old was bound to resurface.
Perisic was one of the best performers for Croatia in the knockout stages of the tournament, even scoring in the final as the Balkan nation came up just short in their quest for their maiden World Cup triumph. With similar problems persisting in his squad, Jose Mourinho is back in the market for a wide player this summer.
Just like last summer, the Manchester United boss has been yearning for a fiery winger for the right side of attack. Willian has been the priority for Mourinho thus far. But, the Brazilian’s pursuit seems to be headed nowhere, which is why the manager is having to identify alternatives at this late juncture of the English transfer window.
Perisic has thus, re-emerged as a target for Manchester United, although he could compound some pertaining problems at Old Trafford instead of solving them. The Red Devils’ attack is eerily left heavy at the present moment. While Anthony Martial is expected to leave and dissipate the problem to an extent, Perisic’s arrival could see Mourinho return back to square one.
The Croatian international is adept at providing a dangerous outlet on either flank. But, like January signing Alexis Sanchez, Perisic prefers operating from the left side as well. However, if Mourinho is hell bent on signing the 29-year-old, it could mean that he plans to integrate him on the right side of the attack.
Inter Milan though, will prove to be tough negotiators, just like last summer. The report suggests that the Nerazzurri have already hiked his valuation to £60 million, which in itself will pose a lot of trouble. There have been suggestions that the Manchester United board are unwilling to shell out a premium for short-term solutions like Willian and Perisic.
Mourinho will likely have a hard time persuading the board to pay the required sum for a player whose resale value will be low. But, Manchester United are running out of time if they are to avoid repeating the mistake from last summer and something might have to give.
The need to bolster attack is urgent for Manchester United, with Martial set to leave and Perisic will certainly be a fine short-term solution. It now remains to be seen if the Premier League heavyweights are ready to meet Inter’s valuation, or if they end up making a move for someone else.
