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Ahead of getting a transfer request from Premier League side Arsenal, Inter Milan winger Ivan Perisic has submitted an official transfer request to the squad.
The news came out just before Inter squared off with Torino on Sunday in Rome.
Arsenal enquired about Perisic this week and reportedly submitted a €4 million loan request with the option to purchase at the end of the season for €40 million.
Inter management have balked at that request as they are only interested in an outright sale of the winger or the inclusion of a buy obligation.
Inter manager Luciano Spalletti mentioned in his pre-match news conference that Perisic was off the market and would be sold if teams “pay an adequate sum.”
Perisic was subsequently left off the starting XI for Inter as they took to the pitch against Torino, sparking discussion that he would be sold or moved away from the Giuseppe Meazza this month.
#AFC | According to reports Ivan Perisic has been left out of Inter’s matchday squad and has told Luciano Spaletti he wishes to leave the club.
— Harry Symeou ✍ (@HarrySymeou) January 27, 2019
Can’t believe there are #Arsenal fans turning their noses up at the prospect of signing him. Clueless. pic.twitter.com/Rd1QHLH1Wk
Last season, Perisic rejected a move to Manchester United after former Inter boss Jose Mourinho made the winger a top target in the summer. In fact, Perisic agreed to a contract extension after snubbing United’s overtures.
Now that a serious offer has been put on the table – and subsequently rejected by Inter because the purchase is an option, not an obligation – Perisic has signaled he wants to leave.
I would anticipate negotiations for Perisic to heat up next week with Arsenal being in the driver’s seat. Don’t be surprised to see other Premier League squads, like Manchester United, express interest in Perisic’s services.
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