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Luciano Spalletti drops Ivan Perisic transfer bomb as Arsenal target misses Inter defeat
ARSENAL target Ivan Perisic could be packing his bags says Inter Milan boss Luciano Spalletti.
The Gunners want the experienced winger on loan for the rest of the campaign.
It’s thought he’d then sign for the north Londoners permanently in the summer.
Reports earlier today suggested the Serie A side have rejected Arsenal’s initial approach.
Club director Beppe Marotta confirmed before Inter’s clash with Torino that Perisic is angling for an exit.
“We have to live with a situation that many clubs have in this period, which is players who express their desire for a transfer,” Marotta explained.
“We listened to the player, he has this desire.
“We want to make him happy, but also have to consider what is best for us.
“So far, no suitable offers have arrived, so we will wait.”
Torino edged past Inter 1-0 in Turin.
Speaking after the clash, Spalletti claimed he’s keen to get rid of the 29-year-old.
"Perisic, it's simple,” he said.
“As I said yesterday, players can say what they want.
“Of course they're at the club, they're paid by us, so you need to have a buyer.
“He cannot go away for free.
“If he does not want to play as Marotta said, it is clear that he will stay out (of the team).
“There are no problems.
“But when one cannot make a contribution, it helps to get rid of them.”
Perisic has previously explained that he wants to strut his stuff in the Premier League.
Manchester United were vying for his services in the summer.
However, following the dismissal of Jose Mourinho, a move to Old Trafford doesn’t look likely.
“It’s true that an offer from Manchester United was on the table – I was really close to leaving Inter," Perisic said last year.
“Admiration from a coach like Mourinho is definitely something that flattered me. It’s confirmation of hard work and good performances.
"When you’re praised by a guy like Mourinho – the manager of a huge club like Man United – it’s difficult not to think about such an offer.
"I’m glad he has a high opinion of me. These things motivate me to work and train hard, to achieve the best performances.”
When asked again about his future before Christmas, he said: “I have always said that [playing in the Premier League] is my dream.
“In football everything is possible, we will see in the future. Now, I’m focusing on Inter.”