The former Arsenal player was linked with a summer switch to Newcastle United.
As reported by the Express back in the summer, Newcastle United were very keen to bring Lucas Perez to St. James’ Park prior to his loan move to Deportivo La Coruna, and how the Magpies must wish they had signed the Spaniard now.
Perez has scored three goals and provided one assist in his last four La Liga matches, while he also found the net in last week’s Copa del Rey clash with Las Palmas.
In contrast the striker Newcastle were able to sign, Joselu, has managed just two goals in nine appearances and is without a league goal since the first day of the month.
There is no doubting the Newcastle striker’s work-rate, but his ability in front of goal is nothing compared to Perez, who could have taken the Magpies by storm and proved the Gunners were wrong not to give him more opportunities last season.
That was not to be, but it shows Newcastle boss Rafa Benitez was on the right track when it came to striker targets. Had he managed to add Perez to the likes of Florian Lejeune and Mikel Merino, the Magpies could have had an even more impressive summer, benefiting considerably this season as a result.
As it is Newcastle are still a quality striker short of what they need, as their recent narrow defeat to Burnley went some way to proving.
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