The Chronicle have today confirmed that Newcastle’s ARE interested in Arsenal’s Lucas Perez this summer, with Lee Ryder revealing that The Gunners have named a £13.4m asking price for the Spanish forward.
Perez 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.
Since then, however, he has struggled for game time under Arsene Wenger and is desperate for a move away to secure regular first team football.
The Evening Standard claim we are exploring the option of a loan move for Perez, however The Chronicle’s Chris Waugh has since hinted that Newcastle may look to do a deal similar to that of Mikel Merino’s – being a loan move with an obligation to buy, in a play now, pay later type deal.
Here’s what Chris Waugh said on the deal in a Facebook live chat on NUFC transfers for The Chronicle today:
“He (Perez) wants first team football and Newcastle are exploring the possibility of him coming on a loan deal. He’s certainly a name being explored at the moment. He can play on the wing and up front – Rafa would like the versatility.”
Perez has suggested he’d be in favour a return to his homeland, with former club Deportivo having a £9m offer rejected last week, meaning we may have to move quickly if we wish to get our man.
At just over £13m, this looks like real value for money in this day and age. Given our hunt for attacking quality and limited funds, we would be silly to ignore this one.
Most of us Gooners have been impressed by what we’ve seen from Perez. Which makes his lack of game time all the more puzzling. If Newcastle can bag him, I think he’d be a great asset as a winger and/or striker.
Good luck to both Toon and Lucas next season (wherever he may end up)!
RedCurrant(Quote)
Another Gooner wishing Perez well.
The ONLY thing I can fathom is that Perez is frequently underwhelming in training.
I’ve known athletes– who were simply different players during a game.
jw1
jw1(Quote)