Confusion as Stevan Jovetic joins Inter

The Premier League side announced it was an 18-month loan deal, while their Serie A counterparts claimed it was a permanent transfer.

"We are pleased to announce the arrival of Jovetic. This is another important player for our team, a dynamic player that will add even more value to our attack," said Inter president Erick Thohir.

"Mancini will get the best out of him. Welcome Stevan and Forza Inter."

Jovetic joined City in a £22m deal from Fiorentina in 2013, but struggled to make a consistent impact in the Premier League.

The arrival of Wilfried Bony in January all-but confirmed his fate, with the transfer a formality after the Montenegro striker penned a farewell social media post on Wednesday.

Our friends over at Eurosport Italy have a little more information which clears up the confusion.

Luca Stacul of the Eurosport.it team told us: "It’s a loan with a view to a permanent deal, so basically Inter is obliged to buy the player at the end of the loan. That’s why Inter reports it as a permanent deal.

"Inter is working a lot with this kind of deals: they signed Shaqiri, Brozovic and all the latest players (Kondogbia excluded) like this. I think it’s a way to postpone payments (and FFP issues…), but I’d have to check the FFP rules carefully to be precise.

With City expected to ditch a much-maligned 4-4-2 system next season, Jovetic was never going to command regular minutes. Sergio Aguero is the best striker in the Premier League; Bony provides a different threat.

Jovetic now has a dream opportunity: help restore Inter to Europe’s elite. He made his name in Serie A – now that very league offers him hope of a comeback.