Italian journalist Matteo Barzaghi feels that at the moment, Inter wingback Ivan Perisic is closest to Chelsea out of any club, but that his future is far from certain.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, as reported by FCInter1908, Barzaghi updated on the 33-year-old’s situation, feeling that a departure from the Nerazzurri is likelier than not but that he has not yet made his decision on his future.
Perisic looks to be ready to reject the Nerazzurri’s contract extension offer unless they get much closer to his wage demands, and if he were to be available on a free transfer there would be no shortage of interest in the Croat.
Reports have alternatively suggested that Chelsea and Juventus are close to signing Perisic over the past few days, with the most recent links favouring the Bianconeri.
According to Barzaghi, however, there is still some way to go before any club wraps up a deal for the Croat, but the Premier League looks to be his likeliest destination.
“We’ve checked in on the situation further, and it’s not quite as it’s being portrayed in the newspapers,” Barzaghi said, “it’s very different, from what we’ve deduced from our sources.”
“The race for him is sill open,” he added, “no one has secured him yet – he was in talks with Chelsea, the most likely destination remains England.”
Barzaghi explained that “After the final, Juve raised their offer and are willing to meet the player with a two-year deal with the option of a third worth €6 million net per season.”
“He refused the €4.5 million net plus add-ons offered by Inter,” he added, “it’s a big offer – he could see the €2 million difference and decide to go to Turin.”
“Next week Inter will meet with his agents and make one final attempt,” Barzaghi continued, “maybe they’ll increase the add-ons, but in my opinion Perisic has already made his decision. Otherwise he would not have spoken the way he did.”