Everton had been on the verge of signing Lucas Perez last summer, when Arsenal swooped.
Farhad Moshiri has revealed to the Jim White Show, which was broadcast on 7th November, that Arsenal ‘took’ Lucas Perez away from Everton at the last minute in the previous transfer window.
Everton had agreed a deal with Deportivo La Coruna for Perez, and appeared to be set to sign the forward last summer.
However, Arsenal swooped in the final stages of the transfer and ended up landing the 28-year-old.
“Lucas Perez was ready to sign, but Arsenal took him from us at the last minute,” Moshiri revealed.
Perez had been identified as a target for Everton to provide competition for Romelu Lukaku up-front.
Everton have a lack of options in the striking position beyond Lukaku, and Ronald Koeman had outlined Perez as a possible target.
Since moving to Arsenal Perez has made a minimal impact, as he has not played particularly often.
Perez has made just six appearances for the Gunners so far, with both his goals coming against Nottingham Forest in the EFL Cup.
Everton didn’t sign a striker in January, with Yannick Bolasie the most notable attacking addition that the Toffees made during the previous transfer window.
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