Arsenal in ‘talks’ to offload £17m man

Deportivo La Coruna have held talks with Arsenal over a move for striker Lucas Perez, according to a report.

Spanish outlet lavozdegalicia claim talks have taken place between Perez’s old club and Arsenal over the 28-year-old frontman.

Perez has been talked about as an AC Milan target, while was linked with a move to West Ham last month after not finding the first-team opportunities he would like under Arsene Wenger.

The Times claimed Perez was ready to quit Arsenal in search of regular first-team football after being largely limited during his maiden season in the Premier League.

The latest report suggests Deportivo want to take the back on a season long loan for next season and that Arsenal boss Wenger is willing to play ball.

Perez joined Arsenal from Deportivo in a £17million deal last summer, but he has made only 11 Premier League appearances and just two starts.

Perez, who is contracted until 2022, has made 22 appearances in all competitions, scoring eight goals and assisting six goals and Depor are apparently keen to get him back on board.

In February his agent Rodrigo Fernandez Lovelle denied he had said that Perez, who scored 17 La Liga goals last term, was looking to leave at the end of the season.

“Like any professional, he wants to play,” Lovelle told Press Association Sport when asked about Perez’s future.

“When one does not play he is not happy but we knew it would be difficult and it is a long contract.

“Lucas has this contract with Arsenal and he wants to succeed there. No-one has spoken of a move.”

Perez himself also admitted he was happy after taking time to adapt to English football.

“Now I feel really comfortable and I’ve fitted in well to the team – that’s particularly important for a player,” Perez said in February.