Manchester United are reportedly set to step up their pursuit of Inter Milan forward Ivan Perisic by offering Anthony Martial as sweetener.
According to a report by The Mirror, Manchester United are likely to offer Anthony Martial as a sweetener to clinch a deal for long-time target Ivan Perisic.
Ivan Perisic has been linked with Manchester United for months now and were believed to be close to signing a deal after manager Jose Mourinho was spotted watching Croatia’s 1-0 win over Ukraine.
It is believed that Inter are ready to ask United to include Martial as part of the package for Perisic, with the France striker moving to the Italian club on a season-long loan. Milan boss Luciano Spalletti does not want to lose £45 million-rated Perisic, but could ask for Martial as part of the deal if it goes ahead.
Perisic has had an illustrious career over the past decade and has blossomed into an exciting forward while playing for Borussia Dortmund and Wolfsburg, and has only improved further after joining Inter Milan two years ago.
Perisic has been one of the key components for Inter Milan. The Italian club might have had to endure a frustrating campaign in the Serie A, but the Croatian winger has been a silver lining, as he recorded 11 goals and ten assists in 42 appearances across all competitions.
That being said, the Croatian may just be a great fit at Old Trafford especially since Zlatan Ibrahimovic will no longer be a part of the club next season. United fans love watching attractive, attacking football and Perisic can fill the void left behind by Ibrahimovic.
Like Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who has been a revelation since signing for United on a free transfer at the start of the season, the Croatian likes scoring in spectacular fashion. Whether it be a cheeky flick on the training ground or a scissor kick in front of thousands, Perisic knows how to score in style, which will delight the fans.
However, signing Perisic will definitely mean that there’s very little room for Anthony Martial in the club and earlier it was also reported that the Red Devils might sell him to raise funds for the Croatian winger.
Martial was part of the squad Jose Mourinho inherited from Louis van Gaal when he took over last season. While the striker cost the club in excess of £40 million, he has been a disappointment of sorts after managing to score only 25 goals in 91 appearances in the last two years.
Even if Martial remains at United, next season will prove to be a bigger hurdle for him if Perisic joins the squad. A move to Inter in exchange for Perisic seems like a win-win situation for all parties involved since Martial will also receive a good opportunity to start afresh at a new club and focus on re-building his career.