Arsenal
On paper, the Croatian international is everything Arsenal currently lack. He’s tall (6ft 1’), a natural winger and a goalscorer, averaging around 1 in 4 for club in country throughout his career. Arsenal’s current options on the flank are Alex Iwobi (just 10 goals in 85 appearances), Henrikh Mkhitaryan, who has struggled with consistency since moving last year and Aubameyang (who isn’t a winger).
Perhaps most importantly, Perisic’s style of play appears to be a perfect fit for Emery. His energy levels are high, he adds width, pace and energy to the attack, with the Gunners often lethargic and predictable in their wide play. Naturally left footed and able to stretch opposition defences, I can see the Croatian and Aubameyang forming a great partnership in attack. Both would thrive playing the fast attacking football that Emery loves.
Some Arsenal fans appear to have been brainwashed by Arsene Wenger’s addiction to youth and have turned their nose up to Perisic due to the fact that he turns 30 next month. I find this fascinating. In this era players can continue playing at a high level into their mid 30’s so even signing Perisic permanently would not be a bad decision in my opinion, as I would be confident he could add value to our squad for the next 4 years at a minimum. An initial loan also allows for Arsenal to see how Perisic adapts to England and to the team before making a big financial commitment.
Next season, Perisic would be 30, not 35 and so he would still be able to be a regular starter for us, as well as providing the likes of Reiss Nelson and Saka with a great role model to learn from. Who is there to do that currently at the club? The current setup means there is more pressure on the likes of Nelson, Iwobi and Saka to deliver immediately and consistently.
Less widespread and less reputable sources are claiming that the Gunners have also opened talks with Barcelona over a loan move for Malcom. The Brazilian was strongly linked to Arsenal when at Bordeaux, but Barcelona opted to pay the £37million asking price. He has however struggled to settle in to his new home in Camp Nou and Arsenal may look to benefit from his temporary addition.
If a loan move for Malcom included an option to buy, then I would be interested, however training up players for other clubs does not appeal to me as an Arsenal fan. Denis Suarez, also of Barcelona, appears to still be an option for Arsenal in these final days of the window and is one to keep a close eye on on the Index after his price fell recently due to the rumours a potential deal had collapsed.