Tottenham do not appear to be wasting any time at all in the transfer market with Ivan Perisic believed to be closing in on a move to north London. Joining Inter Milan from Wolfsburg in 2015, the Croatia international will bid farewell to the San Siro very soon with his contract set to expire at the end of June.
Playing a key role for the Nerazzurri in recent seasons, Perisic has been linked with a number of clubs but reports suggest that Antonio Conte and Tottenham are about to win the race for his signature. Operating at left wing-back for the Italian giants, the highly-rated player has all the qualities to thrive in the head coach's system and his experience could prove invaluable as Spurs look to win major trophies.
So what have other managers in the game said about the 33-year-old? football.london takes a look.
READ MORE: Antonio Conte's dream Tottenham XI after Ivan Perisic and Alessandro Bastoni summer transfers
Antonio Conte on Perisic
"I am happy for Ivan, because in the end he had an incredible experience with Bayern Munich, a winning one, in which he won three trophies.
"Now he's back, with great determination to play for Inter and help us out, to put himself at the service of the team, and I am happy that he's got this desire.
"Also, because when you've got this kind of determination, this enthusiasm, this desire, in the end everything gets easier for the coach."
Simone Inzaghi on Perisic
"Of course it's what I want. He has impressed me; training him has really impressed me. He has exceeded my expectations.
"I have faced him as an opponent, he is a top player. He has had a great season. He has quality and quantity – he does it all and is complete. I hope there is some good news soon about his future."
Jose Mourinho on Perisic
“Perisic is the kind of winger that is different to the others. Normally you look at wingers and they are just fast and creative. But he is also physical, very physical. Fantastic in the air.
“So the way he wins that ball in the air [for Mandzukic’s winning goal vs England at World Cup 2018] and puts the ball into that space is only possible if you are very, very physical and dominant over defenders. So he was amazing by going there and winning that ball in the air.”
Luciano Spalletti on Perisic
"Perisic sacrificed himself a lot. Leaders show themselves when the team needs them and Ivan has shown that he is important in these opening matches.
"Teams that want to get results think this way, by dividing up strengths and weaknesses and by taking on responsibility when their teammates are in difficulty."
Hansi Flick on Perisic
"I'd like to thank Ivan for his performances and his contribution to winning the treble. We were very happy working with him.
"You could see Ivan's qualities, in particular at the Champions League finals tournament in Lisbon."
