The representative of Lucas Perez has confirmed that he is in talks with Fenerbahce over a proposed move for his client this summer. The Spaniard had a tough introduction to Premier League football last term as he managed just two starts.
The 28-year-old has already expressed his desire to pursue a fresh challenge away from the Emirates as he feels ‘cheated’ by the limited opportunities last season.
Agent Rodrigo Fernandez Lovelle had made his way to London during last weekend’s Emirates Cup in order to sort out the Spaniard’s future, and he has now revealed that Fenerbahce are leading the pursuit.
The Istanbul outfit were initially hoping to pursue a loan deal for the former Deportivo man, but Arsene Wenger has blocked their approach in order to push for a permanent sale.
“We are in talks with Fenerbahce but Arsene Wenger does not want a loan move,” he told TurkishFootball. “Wenger wants €15m [£13.4m] for Lucas. He still has another three years on his contract so Arsenal hold all the cards.
“Fenerbahce, two Spanish teams and a Bundesliga side have made an offer for Lucas. Fenerbahce are the most serious and we have been in talks for two months.”
Former club Deportivo have already made an opening offer for Perez, but they are nowhere close to matching the Gunners’ £13.4m asking price. As a result, Fener have emerged as favourites for the attack with the Financial Fair Play ruling no longer a stumbling block.
The Turkish giants have agreed to sell Simon Kjaer to Sevilla in a deal worth £11.6m, and this leaves them with some breathing space to finalise a move for Perez.
The Yellow Canaries currently have the injury-prone Robin van Persie as the sole option up front following a nasty arm break to Fernandão in March, and this has increased the need for a new marksman.
Perez, who is on £70,000-a-week, managed just 21 appearances across all competitions for Arsenal last term, and a move to the Turkish Super Lig could enhance his chances of earning a Spain call-up ahead of next year’s World Cup in Russia.
The A Coruna-born ace has returned to pre-season training with Arsenal ahead of the new league campaign, but his exit is likely to be sorted out soon with Fener holding a serious interest.
