According to Fabrizio Romano, Tottenham are expecting Ivan Perisic in London next week for a medical, ahead of his move to the Premier League.
What’s the story?
Well, it seems Tottenham are closing in on their first signing of the summer, and what a deal it could turn out to be.
Antonio Conte is nearing a reunion with Perisic, who he managed at Inter Milan – the pair won the Serie A title together last season.
Writing in the Guardian, Romano believes the Croatia international has accepted Tottenham’s offer of a two-year contract, as his current deal at the San Siro expires next month.
The 33-year-old is now set to undergo a medical in London next week, after Conte and Fabio Paratici earmarked his arrival as a priority.
Nobody is sure what Perisic will earn, although we believe it will be more than his current £125,000-a-week earnings.
As is usually the case when it comes to free transfers, the player is given an increased salary to offset the lack of a transfer fee.
In 49 appearances this season, Perisic – who once humiliated Antonio Rudiger – scored ten goals, while also providing nine assists.
Newcastle are said to be interested in the Inter Milan star as well.
Ivan Perisic is ideal for Tottenham
In our view, this is a fantastic signing for Tottenham.
At the age of 33, Perisic can’t be expected to start every week, although with the Champions League on the schedule, Conte will need depth.
The Croatian is also capable of playing as part of the attack, as well as in a wing-back role, which gives Conte some freedom to rotate his squad.
It is also a bargain of a deal, which allows Spurs to spend more on other areas which are in need of reinforcement.
Above all, the fact Conte and Perisic have worked – and succeeded – together before is a huge safety blanket for Tottenham.
If this deal doesn’t work out, we’d be very surprised.
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