Ivan Perisic is ready to leave Inter Milan on a free transfer at the end of the season if a club matches the reported Tottenham target’s wage demands, according to TuttoMercatoWEB.
The Nerazzurri remain some way apart from the Croatian’s request for a new contract, with his deal expiring in June. Inter Milan want Perisic to remain at the San Siro past his current terms. But they are unwilling to rise to the 32-year-old’s demands, so have paused all talks.
Perisic is asking for a €5.5m-6m-a-season (£88k-96k-a/w) salary to extend his stay in Milan into an eighth season. He joined Inter from Wolfsburg in 2015 for £14.5m after months of negotiations and has amassed 228 appearances in blue-and-black.
Simone Inzaghi has afforded Perisic a key part in his squad since replacing Tottenham boss Antonio Conte at Inter Milan. The winger has featured 23 times across all competitions and started 21 games. He also has four goals and two assists in a rejuvenated attacking role.
But Perisic is willing to leave Inter Milan on a free transfer if a rival suitor matches his wage demands. The Nerazzurri also only intend to revive discussions in the coming months if he fails to agree a pre-contract beforehand. The forward is now able to seek a Bosman deal.
Tottenham monitoring Perisic situation at Inter Milan
Inter Milan pausing contract talks with Perisic and the winger’s view on a free transfer may appeal to Tottenham. Sport1 noted in December that Spurs met his agent to discuss joining Conte in north London, and that the Croatian has no interest in returning to the Bundesliga.
Additionally, Inter Live reported in December that Perisic opposed re-joining Wolfsburg and would favour a transfer to Tottenham. He is reserving a thought for reuniting with Conte in England after scoring five and assisting five goals in 42 games under the Italian last season.
Perisic’s efforts with Croatia against England at the 2018 World Cup also impressed former Tottenham boss Jose Mourinho. The Portuguese lauded the forward’s efforts in the semi-final tie, stating on Russia Today – via quotes by the Metro:
“Perisic is the kind of winger that is different to the others. Normally, you look at wingers and they are just fast and creative. But he is also physical, very physical. Fantastic in the air.
“So, the way he wins that ball in the air [for Mario Mandzukic’s goal] and puts the ball into that space is only possible if you are very, very physical and dominant over defenders.”
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
