Inter Milan have ruled out the sale of Chelsea, Manchester United and Liverpool target Ivan Perisic
The Croatian winger has long been a target for a host of clubs across Europe and has been one of Inter’s most consistent player this season. And their director of sport, Piero Ausilio, has now confirmed that there is interest in the winger while ruling out selling him to any potential suitors.
“I do not think it is either Perisic’s or our intentions for him to leave,” he said, in an interview with Premium Sport according to CalcioMercato. “We don’t want to sell Perisic, nor does the player want to leave. We are building a big team and he will be a part of it. Inter do not sell their best players.”
Perisic joined Inter Milan from VFL Wolfsburg in 2015 for a reported fee of €16 million. He has since gone on to become one of the key players in their side and has formed a good understanding with star striker Mauro Icardi.
This season, he has made 29 appearances across all competitions already and has picked up 7 goals and 6 assists. He is also averaging 1.86 key passes, 1.97 chances created and 1.19 successful take ons per 90 minutes according to Squawka.
It was reported late in January that Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea were all engaged in a three-way tussle for the Croatian winger with all three looking to sign the player – whose current contract runs until 2020 – in the summer.
Jurgen Klopp has managed Perisic before during their time together at Borussia Dortmund and knows the winger well. His pacy, direct style couple with his threat on the counter will be a huge asset for Liverpool and it is no surprise the Reds were considering a bid for him.
Antonio Conte also likes player who put in a good shift in both the attacking and defensive departments and given Chelsea’s tendency to play counter-attacking football under the Italian manager, Perisic would be a good fit at Stamford Bridge as well.
Manchester United – who recently sold Memphis Depay to Lyon – do have options on the wing but with Wayne Rooney set to depart and Jesse Lingard failing to convince Mourinho of his value, Perisic would be a good option especially considering he can also play in attacking midfield.
However, Inter no longer need to sell their best players and are looking to rebuild their side into one that can compete with Juventus for the Scudetto every season. The Nerazzuri are now backed by the finances of Suning Holdings Group and are likely to invest in their squad heavily this summer.
Given their ambitious plans and Ausilio’s comments, it appears Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea will now have to begin looking for different options as Perisic is apparently going nowhere, at least for the time being.
