Tottenham Hotspur have announced the signing of Inter Milan winger Ivan Perisic on a two-year deal until 2024.
The 33-year-old had a medical with the Premier League club on Monday and will join on a free transfer on 1 July when his contract with Inter expires.
Perisic worked with Antonio Conte when the Spurs boss led Inter to the 2020-21 Serie A title.
He said: “It is a privilege to work with a coach like this. I am really happy to see him again.”
Perisic played 49 times and scored 10 goals this season in all competitions as Inter won the Coppa Italia.
The Croatia international is Tottenham’s first signing of the summer, with Southampton goalkeeper Fraser Forster also expected to join the north London club.
“I am really excited to start with the Spurs family,” added Perisic.
“I was watching the last two of three games and, after the victory against Arsenal, it was obvious Tottenham would be in the Champions League – and it was also good for me because I want to play in the best games.
“I like to work a lot, I like to work for the team. I can play several positions in the system that Tottenham are playing now and I will also bring a lot of experience because I used to play for a lot of great clubs. I can’t wait to start to play and to train and to do my best.”
Analysis
BBC Radio 5 Live’s George Cummins
Ivan Perisic fits the model of player Antonio Conte wants.
“You can be good, you can be creative – but at the same time be strong physically, run a lot and be resilient,” the Tottenham manager said in February.
Perisic is Conte’s third signing from Serie A in six months and the Italian will be hoping he is as successful as Rodrigo Bentancur and Dejan Kulusevski, who joined in January.
Signing a 33-year-old on big wages is a break from the norm for Tottenham.
It appears chairman Daniel Levy is putting his trust in managing director Fabio Paratici and Conte, with their knowledge of the Italian market.
More signings are expected to follow, including goalkeeper Fraser Forster. Meanwhile, Harry Winks, Giovani lo Celso and Tanguy Ndombele could all leave over the summer.
Find all the latest football transfers on our dedicated page.
