Inter Milan manager Luciano Spalletti has criticised Arsenal for their attempts to sign Ivan Perisic during the January transfer window.

The Serie A boss believes the Gunners unsettled the Croatian but were never truly serious about signing the winger before deadline day:

“These things happen in the transfer window, the player received an impressive proposal and was tempted.”

“However, he then realised it was not a true offer, that he’d been conned, and took a step back. Now he’ll resume training and as soon as his mind is back fully on Inter, we’ll let him play.”

Arsenal were reportedly keen to recruit Perisic on loan until the end of the season with an option to buy in the summer.

Inter were, however, only keen on the 29-year-old leaving on a permanent basis, with a €40m (£35m) asking price having been set.

There were claims in Italy that the Gunners had already agreed personal terms with Perisic despite not having agreed a deal with the Nerazzurri. This may be why Spalletti was frustrated with the London club.

Perisic did not play in the Coppa Italia against Lazio last night. The Croatian international was an unused substitute as his side lost out on penalties in the quarter-final tie.