Ben Guest
Arsenal striker Lucas Perez has handed in a transfer request as he looks to force his way out of the club.
The striker only moved to the Emirates last summer, making a £17m move from Deportivo la Coruna. However, the Spaniard had a frustrating debut campaign for the Gunners, where he made just 21 appearances. Despite his limited game time, he still demonstrated his goal scoring prowess, finding the net seven times in total.
However, following the arrival of Alexandre Lacazette, it is clear that Perez’s opportunities are going to be even more limited this season.
According to various media sources, the 28-year-old has handed in an official transfer request as he looks to force his way out of the club, and keep himself in contention for the Spainish national team ahead of next summer’s World Cup.
He has been linked with a return to Deportivo La Coruna, as well as to Premier League returnees, Newcastle United.
Arsenal are willing to sell the striker, but want to recoup as much of their £17m outlay as possible, much to the frustration of Perez’s agent.
“€15m (£13.4m) is an expensive price.
“Lucas wants to go to the World Cup and be happy at a place where he has opportunities to play.”
Perez will be hoping that the transfer request will help to move his departure along sooner rather than later.