The 28-year-old striker was close to signing for Everton last summer and the saga could get a sequel.
If Everton had been preparing for a European jaunt in the early stages of this season, perhaps Lucas Perez would be leading the line at Goodison Park as opposed to warming the Arsenal bench.
The Guardian reported in the summer that the Champions League football on offer at the Emirates Stadium was a major factor in the Spaniard choosing Arsene Wenger’s established elite over Ronald Koeman’s ambitious up-and-comers but, after a frustrating debut campaign in North London, the striker could be on the move again this summer.
The Daily Mail claims that Everton remain keen on the lung-busting forward, who has impressed on the rare occasions he has been given an opportunity in Arsenal colours, though The Sun may have tempered the Merseysider’s optimism by adding that Sevilla are offering Lucas an opportunity to return to his homeland.
If continental football remains a major draw, then the prospect of joining a club with three consecutive Europa League crowns will undoubtedly appeal, especially now they are just 90 minutes away from the Champions League quarter-finals.
Therefore, Koeman’s claims about the importance of Everton qualifying for Europe this season take on extra significance.
The Toffees, currently situated in seventh, could reach the Europa League if Southampton lose the EFL Cup final on Sunday and one of the sides above them in the table go on to lift the FA Cup.
“Players like to be part of Europe and they like to be part of the Champions League,” Koeman, who was frustrated by the club’s inability to sign a number of their top targets last summer, told The Guardian.
“Some players were interested last summer and, OK, maybe some wanted to see how we progressed in Everton for the future [before signing]. You will always fight against big clubs with more reputation and with more Champions League competition.”
If Everton are to attract players of Lucas’s calibre, Thursday night football could be key.
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