GUNNERS GO FOR PERISIC
ARSENAL are poised to make a sensational swoop for Croatian winger Ivan Perisic.
The Inter Milan star is keen to swap Serie A for the Premier League – and the Gunners are favourites to land him before Thursday’s transfer deadline.
Any switch would be on loan 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 ( below), the highest earner at the Emirates, is picking up £350,000 a week despite being out of favour with Spanish coach Emery.
Ironically, Inter have been heavily linked with the German midfielder but are unable to afford his salary and want the Gunners to pay at least half.
Although Arsenal are still interested in a loan deal for Barcelona midfielder Denis Suarez, negotiations have stalled over the possibility of a permanent move. And the breakdown in these talks means Arsenal are turning their attention to Perisic.
The one-time Manchester United target has made 18 Serie A appearances this season, scoring three goals.
But Perisic, 29, who starred in Croatia’s run to the World Cup Final in Russia, is no longer first choice under Inter boss Luciano Spalletti.
The move would be a significant coup for Arsenal – and go some way to ease Emery’s growing frustration at being unable to overhaul his squad.