After years of speculations, it seems that finally, Ivan Perisic will be making a move to the Premier League as reports suggest that Chelsea have agreed on a deal to sign the Croatian for free from Inter Milan.
Chelsea’s ownership issues now seem stabilized and the club together is now focused on working together for the upliftment of the squad. With this season dusted, there is a lot to think about for the next season and Thomas Tuchel and co. do know where they need to focus. One position that has hurt Chelsea’s season the most has been the lack of depth in the wing-back positions, which many believe was the reason Chelsea’s season derailed.
Now the man Tuchel and his team has not been an unfamiliar name in the English Football as the man has been linked to a move to the Premier League for many years. Currently playing at Inter, Perisic’s contract runs down this summer and the talks between him and the Inter board not going according to their plans. So, can Chelsea really benefit from the move of the 33-years-old?
WHY DOES CHELSEA NEED IVAN PERISIC?
Ben Chilwell’s injury early in the season was a piece of drastic news for Chelsea fans as the defence looked to be halved since then. Alonso was never so convincing defensively despite his offensive contributions and recent spats with the manager just worsen the situation. Chelsea has missed the experience and composure on the flanks this season with James and Chilwell missing a considerable time together this season. Looking for solutions, Tuchel needs a man who has the experience and composure and can also be used as a bench player to push Chilwell for his position. The answer to this solution could very well be Ivan Perisic.
Marcos Alonso as reported recently was a part of a bust-up with the manager at halftime which now is his second spat after a disagreement with Lampard earlier. His departure thus is very likely on the books with the board looking to fully back Thomas Tuchel. Also, Emerson’s retention looks unlikely after the loanee was reluctant to join the squad back in January when Chelsea needed him. Thus, Chelsea might be left with Ian Maatsen as a backup to Chilwell, but the youngster still needs a loan move to be ready for the first team. Thus, a left-sided wing-back is a priority for Chelsea in the upcoming season.
WHAT CAN PERISIC OFFER?
Perisic has a lot of experience to play in the most crucial of matches, something justified by his big trophy cabinet. Chelsea in recent times have gone right with some over 30 years of signings, in form of Giroud and Thiago Silva. With many leaders in form of Azpilicueta, Jorginho and Rudiger expected to leave, the experience in the backroom has to be injected. Perisic not only adds up the experience but also will become a crucial squad player adding depth to various positions with his versatility. Not only he can play in any position on the left, but he can also even operate from the right side and has even played as a second striker up top, assisting the likes of Lukaku.
Perisic this season has already made 17 goal contributions, something Tuchel would be loved from his wing-backs and rely on them to go all out for. The player has enjoyed seasons with a good number of goal contributions as he has mostly enjoyed his career in his attacking positions. He would be a great player to bring off the bench and the provider in the dying minutes of the game.
DOES THE MOVE MAKE FINANCIAL SENSE?
Financially as well, the deal makes a lot of sense for Chelsea as they can acquire a player as a free transfer considering how much they have to spend a hefty amount in their defensive transition. Chelsea just can not be assured of how much injection they can expect from the new owner, who has already spent fortunes in acquiring the club. A free transfer here would allow Tuchel to spend better in other required positions and aiding the expected overhaul. Also, as reported, Chelsea is offering a better weekly-wage package as offered by Inter and they could very well balance the books with the money they get from selling Alonso from the same position. And they can even capitalize on the money as Emerson looks to depart.
