Newcastle United have been linked with sensational swoops for Real Madrid winger Lucas Vazquez and Arsenal’s want-away forward Lucas Perez according to reports over the last 24 hours.
Starting with Vazquez, Spanish-based journalist Pete Jenson claimed on 5Live last night that Benitez is a big fan of the winger and will attempt to lure him to Tyneside this summer in a move that would undoubtedly break our current transfer record.
Rafa Benitez is attempting to pull off a major coup by signing Real Madrid winger Lucas Vazquez this summer. #NUFC [Pete Jenson] pic.twitter.com/48JPQfNAXY
— NUFC 360 (@NUFC360) July 29, 2017
30 of Vazquez’s 43 appearances for Madrid last season were from the bench, showing that the 26-year old is yet to nail down a starting spot under Zinedine Zidane despite often impressing during brief cameos.
Interestingly, Vazquez was brought to Madrid by Benitez – who signed him for just £850,000 from Espanyol during the summer of 2015 – and The Chronicle’s Mark Douglas claims this COULD* be one to watch:
Then there’s Lucas Perez, with The Sun claiming that Rafa Benitez will make a move to sign the want-away Arsenal striker on a permanent deal, offering him the opportunity to be Newcastle’s ‘main man’ up front next season.
The 28-year old Spaniard joined Arsenal for £17m last summer after bagging 17 goals and 8 assists during an impressive season with Deportivo La Coruna over the 2015/16 La Liga season.
Perez is believed to be keen on a return to his homeland, but with Benitez desperately searching the market for a striker and Perez keen to reignite his career, in hope of making Spain’s World Cup squad, a potential move could make sense for all parties.