Tottenham Hotspur have announced their first summer signing in the form of Ivan Perisic, with the 33-year-old joining the lilywhites on a free transfer from former club Inter Milan.
The Croatian, who can play as a wing-back on either side and also in midfield when required, was a priority for Antonio Conte, who used him to great effect during their time together at the San Siro, winning Serie A in the process.
‘The vastly experienced Croatia international will join the Club on 1 July following the expiration of his contract at Internazionale and has agreed a deal that will run until 2024’ the club revealed in a statement.
Perisic is expected to provide competition for fellow wing-back Ryan Sessegnon, who impressed in Tottenham’s charge into Champions League football. It is unclear whether or not the veteran will become Conte’s first choice immediately, but given that they are planning on fighting on multiple fronts next season, both seem certain to get plenty of gametime.
Introducing our first summer signing… 🔥 #WelcomePerišić pic.twitter.com/JwyyRUuJHL
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) May 31, 2022
More to come
Additions to Tottenham’s squad are not expected to end there, with Conte keen to push on and challenge for silverware next campaign, something that their fans believe is long overdue. Beyond Perisic, Spurs are also looking at Middlesbrough defender Djed Spence to operate on the opposite flank, while left centre back also remains a key area to strengthen too, with Perisic’s former teammate Alessandro Bastoni top of Conte’s list despite the Italian’s reservations about moving to north London.
Fraser Forster is also set to join as a backup goalkeeper, with Pierluigi Gollini departing after a thoroughly underwhelming loan spell with the club. Meanwhile, a new midfielder is also on the agenda, with the likes of Harry Winks, Giovanni Lo Celso and Tanguy Ndombele all expected to be free to leave this summer.
VILLARREAL, SPAIN – MAY 15: Giovani Lo Celso of Villareal FC follows the axtion during the LaLiga Santander match between Villarreal CF and Real Sociedad at Estadio de la Ceramica on May 15, 2022 in Villarreal, Spain. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)
The north London outfit are also searching for a backup to dynamic pair Harry Kane and Heung Min Son, but they once again face the challenge of finding someone talented enough to provide cover that is also happy to be a firm second choice, as they have since the pair shot to prominence.
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