The Everton man could be a useful addition to the Arsenal squad this summer.
The Gunners have been credited with holding an interest in Toffees star Ross Barkley this summer, with the Metro claiming that they were at one point in pole position to land the 23-year-old.
Since then though, competition for the England international’s signature has increased, with the Mirror claiming that both Tottenham and AC Milan are closely monitoring the Everton midfielder’s situation.
Arsenal are believed to be in for some of Europe’s hottest talents, but if they truly want to pursue a move for Barkley, they should consider offering the Merseysiders Lucas Perez in exchange, in an attempt to steal a march on their rivals.
Arsenal’s Lucas Perez
The 28-year-old Spaniard found his game-time limited at the Emirates last season, much to the surprise of the Gunners faithful, after he impressed when he was actually given an opportunity on the rare occasion.
The left-footed forward is clinical when presented with a goalscoring opportunity, and possesses exceptional technique. He can play anywhere along the front-line and would provide fantastic competition for Everton in forward areas.
With Ronald Koeman almost resigned to losing Barkley, it’s not a matter of if he sells him, it will be a matter of which club he sells him to.
And with the chance of having the former Deportivo La Coruna striker at Goodison Park – a player the Dutchman tried to sign last summer, he may very well be tempted to do business with the Gunners ahead of other interested parties.
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenegr is desperate to refresh his attacking midfield options at the Emirates, and will be preparing for the possibility of life without Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil.
Whilst Barkley cannot be considered to be in the same bracket as those two, he is still young, and has frightening amounts of potential.
He is valued at £25 million by Everton, according to the Mirror, £12 million more than Arsenal consider Perez to be worth, as reported by the Independent.
So if some kind of deal can be struck between both clubs, involving the two players, it could turn out to be the ideal outcome for all parties concerned.
Everton’s Ross Barkley
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