The striker reportedly turned down Everton in August but his lack of game time at Arsenal means he could be back on the market.
When Lucas Perez arrived at Arsenal in the summer on the back of the only prolific season of his career to date with mid-table La Liga outfit Deportivo, the fans’ concern focused on whether the Spaniard could meet the demands of a club with genuine title ambitions.
Now, as Goal reports that he plans to depart the Emirates after only one season, the supporters’ dissatisfaction now rests largely with Lucas’ ongoing omission from the side despite a number of impressive cameo appearances.
Goal claim that the striker is prepared to bring a premature end to his Arsenal career in order to fulfil his dream of featuring for Spain in the 2018 World Cup; an ambition that appears impossible to achieve at a club that has only handed him eight starts in all competitions despite a Champions League hat-trick against Basel, a wonder-volley versus Bournemouth and an impressive average of a goal every 133 minutes.
However, this could be music to the ears of Everton. The Guardian reported that The Toffees were prepared to meet the Lucas’ £17 million release clause in the summer, only for the European football on offer at the Emirates to swing the deal in Arsenal’s favour.
Yet, seventh placed Everton are well set to earn Europa League qualification provided Southampton don’t beat Manchester United the EFL Cup final. Furthermore, manager Ronald Koeman is a confirmed admirer, having planned to partner Lucas with Romelu Lukaku, The Guardian reports.
Game time shouldn’t be an issue at Goodison Park. Nor will exposure. Regular minutes in Europe’s most high-profile league, and outings in the continent’s secondary club competition, means Lucas would be well placed to throw his name into the Spanish national team hat.
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