Arsenal tell Premier League duo to pay £20m for Perez

Oli Fisher
Lucas Perez: Tough time at Arsenal

Arsenal have reportedly told Newcastle United and Brighton to pay £20million if they want to sign Lucas Perez.

The Spaniard was given limited opportunities last season and has been linked with an exit from the Emirates Stadium this summer.

A possible return to Deportivo La Coruna has been mentioned, however there is reported Premier League interest.

According to The Sun however, Newcastle and Brighton have been put off by the club’s £20m valuation.

Brighton were looking to sign the forward on a permanent deal with the price tag putting them out of the running, but Newcastle are interested in a possible loan deal.

Arsene Wenger stated that he wished to keep the 28-year-old, but admitted his playing time situation may not improve.

“Yes, because we have a congestion of strikers,” Wenger said.

“I don’t like to lose him because, for me, he’s a top-quality striker but we have many strikers.

“At some stage, too much competition is not competition anymore. You cannot give the chance to everybody, so if he finds a satisfying solution at least for a short time, he will do it.”

Arsenal Lucas Perez