Ben Guest
Arsenal’s efforts to bring either Ivan Perisic or Yannick Carrasco to the club have seemingly failed, with reports saying that both deals are off.
Unai Emery has expressed his desire to bring a versatile winger to the club, with Perisic thought to have been his first choice. The long-time target of Jose Mourinho during his time in charge of Manchester United was thought to be keen on a move to the Emirates, and even handed in a transfer request in order to push the deal through.
Inter Milan were thought to be open to allowing the Croatia winger leave the club, but only in a permanent deal. However, with the Gunners strapped for cash, reliable BBC journalist David Ornstein claims that their offer of a loan move with an option to buy – which included penalties if that option was not taken up – has been rejected.
Arsenal had eyed Belgium winger Yannick Carrasco as an alternative to Perisic, but Ornstein claims that the clubs loan offer was ‘far too low’ to tempt Chinese club Dalian Yifang in letting their player move to the Premier League, with AC Milan also thought to be interested.
Perisic to Arsenal off – #Inter ended all player talks yesterday, #AFC attempts to structure loan + option (+ penalty fee if option not taken) of no interest. Nkunku efforts ongoing but now very unlikely #PSG. Suarez announcement soon. Smith Rowe #RBLeipzig loan, no option to buy
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) January 31, 2019
The North London club have today announced the arrival of Denis Suarez from Barcelona, and have also been linked with a move for PSG youngster Christopher Nkunku, although that deal is also in doubt.
There is also interest in signing Gary Cahill from Chelsea in a bid to bolster their defence which has been crippled by injury.