We're over halfway through the January transfer window and Chelsea are yet to make a signing.
Following long-term injuries to Ben Chilwell and Reece James, the Blues have been left short in the wing-back positions and are desperate to add cover in both of those areas.
Plenty of names have been touted with a move to Stamford Bridge, including the likes of Barcelona star Sergino Dest and AC Milan's Theo Hernandez, but in recent days, reports linking Inter Milan's Ivan Perisic with a move have gathered pace.
Thomas Tuchel has admitted that the Blues are struggling without a full squad available for selection, and Perisic is someone who would add both a wealth of experience and quality to his team.
With that in mind, football.london has taken a look at the latest headlines linking Perisic with a transfer to Chelsea.
Conte has already told Blues why they should sign Perisic
The 32-year-old operated in the wing-back role for Tottenham manager Antonio Conte on occasion when the Italian was in charge at Inter, 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.”
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Inter willing to sell
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.
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.
Competition and contract stance
The Mirror's report adds that Chelsea's London rivals Spurs and Arsenal have shown an interest in Perisic.
A move to Stamford Bridge would appeal to the player, who is looking for a club with ambition.
That being said, 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 is worth staying for.
