Certainly unexpected at the start of the transfer window, Arsenal’s pursuit of Ivan Perisic has become one of the bigger stories in January.
Unable, or perhaps unwilling, to splash the cash like some of their rivals, the Gunners have decided to use the loan with a view to buy method for their midseason business.
On the verge of acquiring Denis Suarez from Barcelona, Arsenal are also still on the lookout for an out and out winger, which is where the Croatian comes in.
However, Inter’s reluctance to let their forward leave is forcing Unai Emery and co. to look elsewhere, notably in China.
As was previously reported in the window, Yannick Carrasco, currently at Dalian Yifang, remains an option for Arsenal, who are ‘still studying’ the option to sign him on loan with a view to buy, according to Foot Mercato.
It has been previously made clear the Belgian would be open to a return to Europe, with Manchester United also knocking on his door, and a move to the Premier League at 25 would be a step in the right direction.
However, in what has become a messy circle, Inter are also reportedly looking at him on a loan with an obligation to buy should they offload Perisic to Arsenal.
With just 48 hours left in the January window, time is of the essence, but the World Cup finalist is currently blocking everything.
The ball appears to firmly be in Inter’s court.
