GUNNERS TO LOOSEN THE PERS STRINGS

Arsenal make surprise move for Inter winger

ARSENAL are poised to make a sensational swoop for Croatian winger Ivan Perisic.

The Inter Milan star, 29, is keen to swap Serie A for the Premier League – and the Gunners are the favourites to land him before Thursday’s transfer deadline.

Any switch would be as a loan deal for the rest of the season, with the north Londoners then having the option to make it a permanent £30million move in the summer.

Arsenal boss Unai Emery admitted earlier this month that he can only bring in players on loan as the club’s hierarchy are refusing to spend big money at this time.

That is down to the fact Mesut Ozil, the highest earner at the Emirates, is picking up £350,000 a week despite being out of favour with the Gunners coach.

Ironically, Inter have been heavily linked with the German midfielder but are unable to afford his salary. They want the Gunners to pay at least half of his wages.

Although Arsenal are still keen on signing Barcelona midfielder Denis Suarez, their refusal to agree to buy him permanently in the summer has seen negotiations stall.

The breakdown in those talks means Arsenal are now turning attention to Perisic, formerly a Manchester United target.

He has scored three goals in his 18 Serie A appearances so far this season.

FULHAM are trying to offload several fringe players as they look to slash costs at Craven Cottage. Stefan Johansen, Floyd Ayite and Kebano have Neeskens all been told they can leave this month. West Brom, Middlesbrough, Leeds and Aston Villa have all spoken about the trio.