Arsenal: Underperforming Ivan Perisic Linked with the Gunners
Arsenal are seeking to fix their issues on the flanks by bringing in Inter Milan winger Ivan Perisic on loan, according to many sources.
It’s no secret that Arsenal are really lacking some dynamism in their attack, which stems from their lack of natural wingers. The players who have been used on the wing this season include Henrikh Mkhitaryan, who is a natural number 10 and a poor footballer in general, Alex Iwobi, who is very predictable and also far better as an interior midfielder, and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who is of course a natural centre-forward. Despite being linked with the likes of Denis Suarez and Christopher Nkunku this window, it seems that Arsenal have turned their attention towards Croatian star Ivan Perisic of Inter Milan, a powerful left-winger.
Arsenal have made an approach to sign Inter Milan winger Ivan Perisic. #AFC want loan with £35m option to buy. 29yo open to #Inter exit. Fits plan of versatile midfielder e.g. Suarez (still possible) / Nkunku + winger. Unclear if injuries mean defender wanted but Sokratis not bad
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) January 26, 2019
It is rumoured that Arsenal want the winger on loan till the end of the season, with an option to buy in the summer for £35 million. Mesut Ozil’s name has also been tossed around within the rumours in a possible exchange, although this seems very unlikely.
Perisic is not in good form, and would be a risky signing for Arsenal should they choose to make it permanent.
Perisic has been in very poor form since his fantastic performances at the World Cup, it must be said. His production on the pitch has plummeted, as have his performances in general. In 18 Serie A matches this season, Perisic has just 3 goals and 2 assists, with a 6.93 overall rating, according to whoscored.com. This is a major contrast to his production last season, which was 11 goals and 9 assists in 37 matches, with a 7.35 match rating.
First thought on Perisic. Good player obviously, but doesn't exactly help with the ageing squad and a bulging wage bill that desperately needs trimming.
— Charles Watts (@charles_watts) January 26, 2019
As Perisic will be turning 30 next week, he certainly isn’t getting any younger either. Arsenal will need to be careful if they are to add him to the squad. There is certainly a chance that he could add his name to the list of overpaid ageing players at Arsenal, which includes the likes of Mkhitaryan, Ozil, and Aubameyang.
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For a club that is in need of a winger, Perisic on loan seems a smart stop-gap signing, as he can bring much-needed end product and unpredictability from wide positions for the Gunners. Despite this, to bring him in on a permanent basis would be risky. He is in poor form, and will be heading into the twilight of his career very soon.