DEAL CLOSE: Ivan Perisic could be Arsenal player before Thursday

With just a few days to the end of winter transfer window, Arsenal remains hopeful of completing a deal for Ivan Perisic reports James Olley.

The Gunners have had an initial offer of a loan with an option to buy rejected by the Italian club but talks were continuing today with a willingness on all sides to find an agreement.

Perisic has handed in a transfer request and Inter are ready to sell but want £35million for the 29-year-old.

Man Utd have long-standing interest in the Croatian, but Standard Sport understands that they are not expect to rival the Gunners for his signature following Jose Mourinho’s sacking last month.

Inter have insisted the deal contains a firm agreement the Gunners will sign Perisic. However, by way of a compromise, they are demanding Arsenal commit to a permanent deal if the winger plays a set number of games during the second half of this season.