Deportivo La Coruna president Tino Fernandez claims that Arsenal striker and Newcastle target Lucas Perez wants to join his former club Deportivo this summer – however admits that the La Liga side may be unable to afford a deal for the Spaniard.
Perez, who spent two years at Deportivo from 2014 to 2016, earned a £17m move to Arsenal last summer after bagging an impressive 17 goals and 8 assists during the 2015/16 La Liga season and based on their presidents latest comments, he could return this summer but only IF they can afford him:
“Nothing is impossible but we have a limit.
“I never mention figures but we have done all that Deportivo can, even making a big effort because of the importance that I believe Lucas can have in this team next season.
“This is a very difficult negotiation but if I didn’t think there was a chance I would say so. If we are still in the race (to sign him) it’s because we believe there is a possibility.
“We will continue to fight because the truth is that he (Perez) is looking forward to joining us.”
Interestingly, Fernandez suggests in that last line that Perez favours a move back to Deportivo, however it remains unclear whether the Spaniards can afford him, with Fernandez admitting they may have to move on from him if a deal can’t be struck:
“We can’t wait much more,”
“We are also looking at other options as we have to take decisions because we are in the month of August and that is an important position.”
Deportivo are understood to be the only team to have made a concrete offer the the 28-year old this summer, but that alleged offer of €10m plus €2m in add-ons was rejected.
Benitez had made his interest in Perez known, and although Deportivo may be looking to negotiate a return for the striker, Newcastle could well get their man if they just pay the £13.4m asking price.
Easier said than done, however.
We’ll pay the £13.4m either when hell freezes over or the NUFC fan base starts a crowd funding project !
Chris(Quote)