Ivan Perisic is reportedly on Chelsea's radar as Thomas Tuchel looks to find a solution to his wing-back issues at Stamford Bridge.
Long-term injuries to Ben Chilwell and Reece James have meant that the Blues have been left short on either side of defence. With the former of those two likely to be out until the end of the season, Tuchel is exploring his options in the market, and a move for Perisic isn't entirely off the cards.
Although the Croatian has played much of his career in more advanced positions, Perisic has played in both wing-back roles for Inter Milan and is a suitable option financially.
With just six-months remaining on his contract, as per the Mirror, Inter will consider viable offers this month rather than risk losing him on a free transfer in the summer.
The 32-year-old also operated in the wing-back role for Tottenham manager Antonio Conte on occasion, and he's previously praised him for his attitude and hard work.
“When I came to Inter Milan in the summer of 2019, my initial idea was that Perisic was an offensive defender because I know he has the characteristics of doing this,” Conte said at the end of his title-winning season with Inter, via the Express.
“The coach can have all kinds of ideas, but he needs the players’ willingness to cooperate with his hard work. (Perisic) was loaned to Bayern and came back with a different mentality.
“Perisic is an excellent player with outstanding physical strength. He is good at beating (his man). He has the ability to play one-on-one.
"I need Perisic like this. He will keep because he has quality.”
Perisic is still thought to be open to penning a new deal with the Nerazzuri, whom he signed for back in 2015, but only if the club have a project that will match his ambitions.
But if Conte's words are anything to go by, perhaps Chelsea should aim to complete the signing before the end of the month.
