Newcastle United are preparing a bumper contract offer for Ivan Perisic who could leave Inter Milan on a free transfer.
According to Calciomercato, Ivan Perisic could decide his future in the coming weeks as he ponders an exit from Inter Milan. After being left unhappy with the Italian giants’ latest contract offer, Newcastle United have come into the mix, as they are preparing a €6.5 million per year package for the Croatian.
Ivan Perisic is coming on the back of an impressive season, his best to date in Inter Milan colours since signing for the club in 2015. The Croatian has been deployed in a left-wing back role in the current system, which has continued from Antonio Conte’s reign.
The big difference between Conte and Simone Inzaghi is that the latter has given Perisic more freedom in the attacking zones. This has let the Croatian score nine goals and register eight assists in all competitions to keep Inter Milan in the hunt for consecutive Serie A title triumphs.
As things stand, Perisic’s contract will expire in the summer, and there have been no advanced negotiations taking place to extend his stay. Inter had put forward an offer worth €4 million per season over a one-year deal. However, his good performances have led to Inter modifying the proposal with slightly higher pay for two more years.
The improved proposal is still lower than what he currently earns at the club forcing Perisic to consider his options. Newcastle United have now entered the fray and are prepared to pay him €6.5 million per season after taxes. The duration of the deal has not been mentioned, but there is an interesting decision from the Newcastle board to go for an ageing player and pay him big wages.
Perisic will be 34 and may not be necessarily considered a sure starter. The Croatian might be one of the players brought in for his experience alone, which could help the Magpies in a long season ahead. They are also looking to sign Matt Targett permanently and remain linked with other players who may occupy the same position as Perisic.
There are links to Renan Lodi, with Newcastle ready to bolster that side of the pitch quite heavily. There are still no guarantees the Brazilian might sign up, although they could make a €25 million bid, despite Atletico’s higher asking price.
Perisic could be a fantastic option, who, despite his advancing age, has not necessarily shown any indication of slowing down, while he can add more options in the attacking unit. Inter would like to keep him on board, although the arrival of Robin Gosens in January indicated they might be preparing for the future.
The reported offer from Newcastle United may be tempting for Perisic. But changing leagues at 34 might need plenty of adaptation. The Croatian is settled in Italy and might look ahead to prolong his stay at San Siro.
