Ivan Perisic, who was formerly a Manchester United target, is gunning for a Premier League transfer this summer, with Arsenal his preferred destination.
According to a return by Italian outlet FC Inter News as put forward by The Sun, Ivan Perisic has taken a call on his future at Inter Milan. The Croatian winger wants a move to the Premier League in this summer’s transfer window, with Arsenal his preference, although the Gunners are not interested in him presently.
Ivan Perisic is not a new name when it comes to the rumour mill linking him with a move to the Premier League constantly. From Chelsea to Manchester United to Arsenal, there has been no shortage of suitors for the Croat, who has been an important member of the Inter Milan first-team setup over the last four years.
In 163 appearances for the Nerazzurri, the 30-year-old has accounted for 40 goals and 37 assists. While his return could do with some improvement, he makes up for it with his work-rate on both ends of the pitch. And, amid reports of an uncertain future at Inter, a move could be in the offing for Perisic this summer – there have been links with Manchester United and Arsenal.
Manchester United had been keen on signing the Croatian winger while Jose Mourinho was still the first-team boss, so as to solve their right wing issues. But, since the appointment of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, that interest seems to have ended.
There had even been rumours of Inter using Perisic as a sweetener in the deal to sign Romelu Lukaku, but Manchester United will reportedly not entertain that idea. Perisic though, is keen on making his way to United’s Premier League rivals Arsenal.
At the North London club, Unai Emery lacks a natural winger in his squad, a direct result of which has meant that the Arsenal boss has had to either change his formation from the one he usually favours or deploy players out of position to man the wide areas.
To resolve the issue, Arsenal have been linked with a number of wingers this summer, although their pursuit of each of the targets has proven to be futile thus far. Their priority target Ryan Fraser looks set to stay put at Bournemouth, while the links with Yannick Carrasco have gone cold.
Perisic is a player who the Premier League giants have previously been linked with, although a January move failed to materialise. Following the failure of a move, former Inter boss Luciano Spalletti had accused Arsenal of ‘conning’ the experienced winger.
Perisic though, is now keen on joining Arsenal, with Inter open to the idea of selling him. But, the Gunners are not reciprocating with an interest yet, having only held initial talks with his agent Nelio Lucas. The likes of West Ham United, Leicester City and Wolves are also eager to sign him, but are unlikely to be successful in their pursuit of the player.
What is setting Arsenal back is his €35 million price tag, with Emery having limitations on his budget this summer. The only way the Premier League heavyweights will now be able to afford Perisic is if they raise money by offloading players and it now remains to be seen if they convert their interest into a bid before the window closes in six weeks.
