Premier League clubs Everton and West Ham United are set to battle for Inter Milan’s Ivan Perisic who is running down his contract at San Siro.
According to Fichajes, Everton and West Ham United have registered an interest in Ivan Perisic, with the Croatian utility man running down his contract. The clubs could try and sign him in the January window when he could be available for a discounted price.
Ivan Perisic has had a travelling career, yet a successful one. Since breaking through at Wolfsburg, the Croat has played for Borussia Dortmund, Inter and Bayern Munich, achieving varying degrees of success at all those clubs. With the Bavarians, on loan for the 2019/10 season, he helped the club secure the treble.
However, since joining Inter back in 2015, the Croatian utility man has never nailed down a starting position. Under several managers, he found himself either out of favour or playing sporadically through this period until he returned from Bayern last year.
His performances with the German champions let then manager Antonio Conte consider Perisic for an important role in the team. Under the Italian tactician’s tutelage, Perisic found his ground at San Siro, to play an important part last season in winning the Serie A.
Since Conte’s departure and the arrival of Simone Inzaghi, the trend has continued, as Perisic continues to start games for Inter. He has played eight times in Serie A this season and twice in the Champions League for Inter, as the manager is able to utilise his versatility to improve the team.
However, his contract situation remains a subject of concern. At 32, it may seem his career may be on the crossroads towards retirement, but the Croatian keeps playing at the highest level at the club and international level. With a contract ending in 2022, and a renewal nowhere in sight a move might be on the cards.
Everton and West Ham are eyeing the experienced attacker to join their sides. Both teams are seen competing for multiple other ‘bargain’ targets such as Arsenal’s Alexandre Lacazette among others. The idea of bringing these experienced professionals at a low cost might be a short-term strategy to improve the current squad quality.
The clubs are reportedly targetting another Inter Milan star in Alexis Sanchez, and also have a battle brewing for Manchester United star Jesse Lingard. However, they want Perisic to join their club to improve on the current quality and could try and persuade Inter to part ways in the January window.
Rafael Benitez has seemingly signed bargain players since he arrived at Everton in the summer. The signing of Andros Townsend and Demarai Gray have certainly been of great value so far, and the manager would like to continue the trend in the short term. West Ham also need depth in attack, as the other stars on the bench are proving not so good. Perisic would bring in experience and quality in the attack.
The Croat, who has never played in the Premier League before might be tempted to test himself in England. He would be a great addition to either of those sides, looking for an experienced head. Alternatively, if Inter’s financial condition improves before January, the club might also offer him a renewal.
