Inter ace Ivan Perisic has conceded that he is pleased that rumours have linked him with a move to Chelsea this summer.
The Croatian international has played an important role for Roberto Mancini this season, with the Nerazzurri continuing their pursuit of a Champions League qualification spot in Serie A.
Despite having only moved to the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza last summer, the former Wolfsburg winger is seemingly open to a move to Stamford Bridge, although is remaining focused on performing to the best of his ability for the Nerazzurri.
“As far as the talk of Chelsea is concerned, I have a four-year contract with Inter,” he told Premium Sport, as noted by La Gazzetta dello Sport. “Therefore, I see my future here.
“Although it is not the time to talk about it now but, hearing my name linked in these [Chelsea] rumours does please me.”
Having left the door ajar, it will only serve to fuel speculation over a potential move to the Premier League, with incoming Chelsea boss Antonio Conte likely to look to strengthen his squad in the summer.
The Italian tactician will replace Guus Hiddink after Euro 2016, and will be under pressure to get the Blues competing both at home and abroad immediately.
That in turn would suggest that he will target players that he is familiar with, as he can ill-afford a slow start in such a competitive league as he looks to adjust and adapt to the pressures of the English top flight.
Perisic has scored eight goals and provided four assists in 31 appearances in all competitions for Inter so far this season, and with his combative nature and tireless work ethic combined with his cleverness off the ball and ability with it at his feet, he would make a perfect signing for Chelsea on the face of it.
However, Inter will not want to lose him and so it remains to be seen whether or not they would even entertain offers from their European rivals.