According to reports in both the Mirror and talkSPORT, Arsenal are interested in potentially signing Inter Milan winger Ivan Perisic.

The 27-year-old, who has impressed with his native Croatia at this summer’s European Championships, has been linked with a lucrative move in the past – and his progression recently has caught the eye of a few interested clubs, including our Premier League rivals Chelsea, as well as Bundesliga side Borussia Dortmund.

Would he join?

Having been linked with moves for both Leicester’s Riyad Mahrez and Dortmund playmaker Henrikh Mkhitaryan since the end of the 2015/16 campaign, it seems clear that the Gunners are intrigued by the prospect of signing another attack-minded midfield player in the summer window. The future of Theo Walcott remains unclear, despite Wenger’s apparent reluctance to let the Englishman go.

Adem Ljajic returns to Inter following a season-long loan move at Roma at the end of the month, and it shouldn’t be a surprise that both players feel they’re good enough to warrant playing on a regular basis.

Inter finished 4th in Serie A last season, meaning they’ve automatically qualified for next season’s Europa League group stages. Perisic hasn’t featured in Champions League competition for three years, since he left Dortmund for Wolfsburg in January 2013 after a lack of first-team opportunities under then-manager Jurgen Klopp.

If a team like Arsenal come calling, it’s not hard to see why he’d be tempted to make a move to pastures new.

What can Perisic provide?

With nine goals and six assists in all competitions for Inter last term, Perisic is a credible goal threat and one that loves to take-on defenders – something that could suit Arsenal’s free-flowing style of play in the final third.

ip1
Perisic celebrates one of his nine Serie A strikes last term with his Inter team-mates. | Image: Getty

Having lacked the cutting edge in recent years to close out matches that should be won comfortably, Perisic’s ability would warrant a sizeable transfer fee of around £20-25m.

Ideally, you’d assume that Roberto Mancini would be reluctant to let the 27-year-old leave – but his performances at the Euros will undoubtedly increase his market value, and it could be better for both parties to cash in on the player if he’s open to a move away.

ip
Perisic celebrates his well-taken solo effort vs Spain, to help Croatia top Group D. | Photo: Getty

Two goals, an assist and two key passes already having played three games at this tournament, his eye-catching form could see him make a move elsewhere ahead of the new season.

Stats’ source: Squawka