Arsenal are ‘hopeful’ of signing Ivan Perisic before Thursday’s January transfer deadline.
The Gunners emerged as somewhat surprising suitors for the Inter Milan winger over the weekend.
Perisic reportedly handed in a transfer request in a bid to force through a move after becoming disillusioned with life in the Italian capital.
And Arsenal are now preparing a package to try and tempt Inter into a deal, with the London Evening Standard reporting that ‘talks were continuing today with a willingness on all sides to find an agreement’.
It is claimed that Arsenal’s initial offer of a £3.5m loan fee with an option to buy in the summer was rejected, as Inter ‘have insisted the deal contains a firm agreement’ over a permanent deal.
But both sides are interested in striking a deal, while Perisic is also eager to push the move through.
Football Italia report that ‘crunch talks are expected today, with the possibility of smoothing out the difference with clauses.
‘Arsenal could hand over a large payment for the six-month loan, in the region of €10m (£8.6m), with option to buy for a total €40-45m (£34.6m-£39m).
According to Libero, the Croatia international has already agreed personal terms to move to the Emirates Stadium, and will earn €3m (£2.6m) after tax until June.
If the deal then becomes permanent he will sign a three-year contract worth €6.5m (£5.6m) per season after tax.
If anyone would kindly like to work out how much that is in pounds before tax, that would be great.