Inter Milan boss Luciano Spalletti has suggested that Arsenal weren’t particularly honest with their transfer offer for Ivan Perisic.
Arsenal were heavily linked with a move for the Croatia international during the January transfer window, but the deal fell through early on transfer deadline day, with the Italian club refusing to loan the player out.
Perisic missed Thursday’s 1-1 draw with Lazio in the Coppa Italia following the speculation surrounding his future, having previously handed in a transfer request to try and force through a move to the Emirates.
Speaking after the game, Inter Milan boss Luciano Spalletti incredibly said that Arsenal’s offer to the Croatian was ‘not a true offer’ and that he had ‘been conned’.
“We’ve got to get Perisic back on track, but also Nainggolan, as he had injuries, setbacks and various issues. He needs time on the field and patience,” Spalletti said in his post-match press conference
“As for Perisic, there was this story on the market, but he is a professional, understands his role and yesterday it was already a very different mood.
“These things happen in the transfer window, the player received an impressive proposal and was tempted. However, he then realised it was not a true offer, that he’d been conned, and took a step back.
“Now he’ll resume training and as soon as his mind is back fully on Inter, we’ll let him play.”
Arsenal ended the transfer window with just one signing, bringing Denis Suarez in on loan from Barcelona.
