[ad_pod ]According to BBC journalist David Ornstein, Arsenal have made an approach to sign Inter Milan winger Ivan Perisic on a loan deal with a £35 million option to buy.
What’s the story?
A loan move is seemingly the only option for the Gunners at this stage, as Unai Emery recently admitted that the club are not in a position to make any permanent signings in this January transfer window (BBC).
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However, Emery’s squad certainly lacks depth on the wings, especially in light of Danny Welbeck’s long-term injury (Independent). Alex Iwobi is currently the only senior natural wide player available for selection.
A move for Perisic would be a smart one on the part of the north London club, in the short term at least.
An injection of experience
The 29-year-old has been in decent – but not spectacular – form so far this season. According to Transfermarkt’s stats at the time of writing, he has registered three goals and two assists in Serie A.
The 78-cap Croatia international would bring some much-needed quality depth to Arsenal’s ranks, but his experience could also be a key factor behind Emery’s pursuit of the forward.
The Gunners have made a habit of signing experienced players recently, with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Sokratis and Stephan Lichtsteiner all having arrived in the last year. Perisic would bring yet more top level experience to the Emirates Stadium, which could help Arsenal become a more competitive, steely and combative unit under Emery.Â
However, £35 million is a huge price to pay for a player coming towards his latter years. A balance must be struck at Arsenal between buying in experience and building for the future.
