Inter Milan will ask for Anthony Martial if it becomes apparent they are fighting a losing battle in their attempt to prevent Ivan Perisic joining Manchester United.
Jose Mourinho aims to return to his former employers to lure the Croatian international to Old Trafford, but the two clubs are still at odds over his valuation. Whilst the Premier League side want to take the winger for around £40million, the Italian giants are holding out for £49million.
New Inter coach Luciano Spalletti would actually prefer to keep Perisic, and it is easy to understand why. The 28-year-old was a key player for the Nerazzurri last season, scoring 11 goals and assisting the same figure in 36 Serie A matches, and he still has three years left on his contract.
“Spalletti has asked not to sell Perisic,” Inter advisor Walter Sabatini said. “He wants Perisic as one of his players because he is fantastic. Inter wouldn’t like to sell him but at the same time the club doesn’t want to have an unhappy player. If Perisic will leave, we want money and a player.”
The player Inter are understood to be interested in is Martial, who endured a difficult second season in Manchester after making a big splash in his debut campaign. The France international has yet to convince Mourinho of his talent, but at the same time, there is certainly no desire to sell.
The 21-year-old would only be included in any package for Perisic if it was a loan deal for the season, and United would want some assurance that he would get the regular football he can’t guarantee at Old Trafford. However, Mourinho would rather keep him as part of his own first team squad.
