5 things to know about Arsenal target Lucas Perez

#5 He was close to signing for Barcelona

The striker had scored an impressive goal against Barcelona at Camp Nou and was in talks for a transfer

Lucas Perez has been on the radar of many clubs after having a great last season at Deportivo La Coruna. Along with the 17 goals in all competitions, the striker also provided his teammates with goal scoring opportunities and managed to create 72 chances in his 36 league appearances.

Perez was reported to be close to signing for Barcelona in this transfer window but the deal could not happen. The striker had showed glimpses of his quality to the Catalans as he crucially scored in the season-ending 2-2 draw against Barcelona to keep his club up in the top tier of Spanish football last season. The striker continued to make his name in Spain as he beat a club record by scoring in seven straight league games.

The striker loves his hometown where he had said that he “will never kiss any other badge” other than Deportivo’s and had also said, “I want to live here for the rest of my life.” But when a big club like Arsenal comes calling, you do not say ‘no’ and that is exactly what the Spaniard has done. At the Emirates, he will have a chance to become an exceptional striker from being just a decent one.

Barcelona could have provided this opportunity to the striker as well, but he would have to stay on the bench for most games behind Luis Suarez. However, he must know that Wenger favours performance rather than the name and the striker might have made the right decision.