Inter Milan CEO Giuseppe Marotta has revealed Ivan Perisic wanted to move to the Premier League with Tottenham set to complete a free transfer for the Croatian.
Perisic is on the verge of becoming one of Antonio Conte’s first summer signings at Spurs and is close to agreeing a two-year deal with his Inter contract approaching its expiry (BBC Sport).
The 33-year-old arrived in London on Sunday and stayed at the club’s Hotspur Way training centre overnight ahead of his official medical on Monday (Football.London).
However, Perisic’s imminent move to Spurs comes after Inter displayed their intention to keep him heading into next season.
Sky Sport Italia reported the Serie A side offered him a contract worth up to €5 million (£4.2m) per season plus bonuses and gave the wide man the weekend to make his final decision.
Inter chief Marotta has now reiterated the club’s efforts in trying to keep hold of Perisic, but admits a move to the Premier League was all he had his eyes on.
Asked about Perisic’s move to Tottenham, Marotta said (via Fabrizio Romano): “We respect his decision. He wanted to try Premier League challenge and we did our best, we wish him all the best.”
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Spurs Web Opinion
The Premier League is usually a big draw for any player and the fact he gets the chance to work with Conte again was almost too good of an opportunity to turn down.
He should slot in pretty well at Spurs seeing that is a position which needs strengthening, while the terms of the deal are risk-free for the club given it is a free transfer.
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