Newcastle boss Rafa Benitez admits he wants to snap-up Arsenal striker Lucas Perez in £13.4m deal
Perez has slapped in a transfer request at the Emirates after squad number handed to record signing Alexandre Lacazette
NEWCASTLE have confirmed their interest in landing Arsenal forward Lucas Perez.
The Evening Standard report the Magpies will have to fight off Deportivo La Caruna, Sevilla and Fenerbahce for the Spaniard who has been frozen out at the Emirates.
Toon boss Rafa Benitez is keen to bolster his attacking options as his side return to the top flight and open to as loan deal, while the Gunners want £13.4million for Perez.
The 28-year-old has no future in North London after a disastrous 12 months in England following his £17million move from Deportivo and has formally handed in a transfer request.
Benitez has confirmed his interest in the want-away forward whose squad number was taken off him without warning and handed to record signing Alexandre Lacazette.
The Spaniard said after the 2-0 win over Hellas Verona: “I like the player because I have good friends in Coruna.
“I know that he did really well, he’s come here and not played in many games, but I like the player.
“We know what we need and will try to do it until the end of the transfer window."
Benitez added: “We are now trying to work in different directions at the time.”
The Toon boss has so far added Christian Atsu, Florian Lejuene, Jacob Murphy and Javier Manquillo to his squad this summer.
Stoke striker Joselu has also been linked with a move to the North East.
The 27-year-old forward spent last season on loan in Spain with Perez's former club Deportivo.
The Toon face Tottenham in their first game back in the Premier League at St James’ Park on Sunday.
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