Inter Milan winger Ivan Perisic has responded to rumours linking him with a move to Chelsea, claiming he sees his future at the San Siro club, per Premium Sport (h/t Sunday Express‘s Joe Short).

The Croatian midfielder is reportedly a top transfer target for incoming manager Antonio Conte after a consistent run of form for the Nerazzurri this season. 

Perisic—who joined the Serie A outfit only last summer from German side Wolfsburg—has scored six goals in 29 league appearances under Roberto Mancini’s guidance this term, while also contributing five assists, per WhoScored. It is the 27-year-old’s athleticism, crossing ability and direct dribbling that makes the Croat so dangerous in possession and a certain asset when utilised as part of a counter-attacking unit.

Last week, his agent, Tonci Martic, revealed that Perisic would be interested in a move to Stamford Bridge, claiming the rumours were tempting to his player, per Nizaar Kinsella of Goal: “To be linked to a club like Chelsea and a manager like Antonio Conte is very exciting for Perisic. The Premier League is the best league in the world and Chelsea is a massive club so we would happily talk about it, but a deal is far at this moment.”

However, Perisic has now denied claims he is eager to join the west Londoners and says he is concentrating on remaining in Italy.

“As far as the talk of Chelsea is concerned, I have a four-year contract with Inter,” he told Premium Sport (via Short). “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.”

In other transfer news emerging from the Premier League champions, defensive mainstay Branislav Ivanovic could be heading toward the continent after stories emerged linking him with a move to Roma, per Gazzetta World (h/t Corriero dello Sport).

Roma sporting director Walter Sabatini has reportedly been in the English capital this week to talk terms with Chelsea regarding their interest in midfielder Radja Nainggolan and to enquire about Mohamed Salah’s availability.

It is during these talks Ivanovic‘s future was reportedly discussed. He endured a terrible early season under Jose Mourinho’s tutelage, as he experienced his poorest form in a Chelsea shirt as the champions dramatically fell from their perch. In recent times, however, he has produced glimpses of his regular reliable form under interim boss Guus Hiddink.

Football365’s Daniel Storey was less than impressed with Graeme Souness naming Ivanovic in his Team of the Year:

The Serbian right-back, 32, is known for his marauding runs forward, all-round game play, aerial presence and accurate ball delivery from the flanks. Italy boss Conte will take charge at the club following the completion of his duties as national team at Euro 2016, and it remains to be seen how many current first-team members will remain following his arrival.

Following such a disappointing domestic campaign, Chelsea are widely expected to back their new coach in the transfer market in order to complete a return to the top four and Champions League football. Ivanovic has made 38 appearances in all competition this term, but it could be his last campaign in the blue of Chelsea if Conte vetoes an offer from Roma.

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