Ivan Perisic: Arsenal target was ‘really close to leaving Inter’ for Man United in 2017

Ivan Perisic was on the brink of leaving Inter for Manchester United in the summer of 2017.

The Arsenal target, who has handed in a transfer request at the San Siro, had a keen admirer in the shape of former boss Jose Mourinho, but eventually decided to stay at Inter.

The Croatia international – who scored in both the semi-final and final of the World Cup – admits he was flattered by the interest shown in him by Mourinho.

He told FourFourTwo at the end of November: “It’s true that an offer from Manchester United was on the table – I was really close to leaving Inter.

“Admiration from a coach like Mourinho is definitely something that flattered me.

“It’s confirmation of hard work and good performances.

“When you’re praised by a guy like Mourinho – the manager of a huge club like Man United – it’s difficult not to think about such an offer.

“I’m glad he has a high opinion of me. These things motivate me to work and train hard, to achieve the best performances.”

Perisic, 29, says it was the role of Luciano Spalletti which ultimately proved crucial as he opted to stay in Italy at that time.

He added: “When Luciano Spalletti arrived [in June 2017], he showed tremendous desire to keep me in the team and made it clear he didn’t want to lose me.

And Perisic has admitted he harbours ambitions of playing in England one day.

“In football, you never say never,” he admitted.

“From the beginning of my career, I’ve had the ambition to play in as many big leagues as possible, and I still have that desire to test myself in other leagues.

“And I mean in the Spanish or English leagues.

“I hope Inter fans understand my point of view. I’m an athlete and a professional, I like challenges and this is my driving force.

“What the future will bring, I don’t know. Now I’m focused on Inter, as we try to make a bigger step forward from last season.”