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LUC-ING TO LEAVE

Arsenal transfer news: Lucas Perez’s agent flies into London to negotiate striker’s move away from the Emirates

The 28-year-old featured sporadically last season under Arsene Wenger, and looks likely to seal a move back to La Liga after losing his shirt number to Alexandre Lacazette

LUCAS PEREZ'S imminent exit from Arsenal looks to be edging closer after his agent flew into London to discuss his departure, according to reports.

The 28-year-old struggled for game time in his first season at the Emirates, and looks poised to seal a return back to La Liga after falling down the pecking order under Arsene Wenger.

 Arsenal striker Lucas Perez looks destined to be on his way out of the Emirates
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Arsenal striker Lucas Perez looks destined to be on his way out of the EmiratesCredit: Getty - Contributor
 The 28-year-old was part of the side that clinched the FA Cup trophy in his first year in England
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The 28-year-old was part of the side that clinched the FA Cup trophy in his first year in EnglandCredit: Getty - Contributor

According to Spanish news outlet ASPerez's representative, Rodrigo Fernandez Lovelle, travelled to the English capital on Thursday to personally negotiate his client's move away.

The report states that a meeting has not been scheduled so far, but Lovelle's presence in England should accelerate Perez's departure from the FA Cup champions.

Signed for £17.1million from Deportivo La Coruna last summer, his former club now want him back at the Estadio Riazor.

Ex-West Brom manager Pepe Mel has tabled an offer of £9m for the striker, but has yet to hear back from the Gunners.

Despite featuring sparingly last season for the North London outfit, Perez still managed to notch up seven goals in 21 games - including a hat-trick away to Basel in the Champions League.

However, Wenger preferred the likes of Olivier Giroud, Danny Welbeck, Alexis Sanchez and Theo Walcott in the starting line-up, and often overlooked him for a place in the match-day squad.

 Perez netted his first goals for Arsenal in a 4-0 romp against Nottingham Forest in the EFL Cup where he bagged a brace
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Perez netted his first goals for Arsenal in a 4-0 romp against Nottingham Forest in the EFL Cup where he bagged a braceCredit: Reuters
 Lucas Perez sealed a memorable hat-trick against Basel in the Champions League group stage
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Lucas Perez sealed a memorable hat-trick against Basel in the Champions League group stageCredit: Getty - Contributor

And it seems to be the end of the line for Perez after Alexandre Lacazette was signed for a club-record fee of £52million- taking his No 9 shirt in the process.

The PAOK star was left incensed after losing his number, especially after Wenger neglected to consult him over the decision.

Spanish website La Voz de Galicia quote Perez as saying: "They [Arsenal] are not behaving well with me.

“The thing of taking the shirt number without telling me to give it to a companion. It seems to me the last straw.

“I can not continue this way. I have given everything, but that has not been reciprocated, so I can’t stand it any longer.

“I feel cheated. In February I was not allowed to leave for China with the promise that I would play more and after that I had even fewer opportunities.

“But the shirt number is an ugly gesture. On the trip, Lacazette asked the boss and he accepted. Afterwards, he told me.

“Last year he [Wenger] told me that he understood that I was upset. I think this season things will get worse, so help me out.”

He added: "I want to leave to play and be happy.

"And I think that the best place for me is at home, with Depor."


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