Newcastle United are linked with the Arsenal marksman.
Speaking to The Chronicle, Newcastle United boss Rafael Benitez has confirmed an interest in Arsenal striker Lucas Perez.
Newcastle were reported to want the out-of-favour Spaniard but The Evening Standard claimed that a £13.4 million asking price was something of a deterrent for the Magpies.
The report went on to claim that Perez was willing to discuss a switch to St James’s Park with compatriot Benitez, if the North-East side had an offer accepted by Arsenal.
And, speaking to The Chronicle, the Newcastle boss suggested that he was indeed keen on signing the former Deportivo La Coruna man, who managed seven goals in 11 starts for Arsene Wenger’s side last season, but admitted it was difficult.
Asked if there had been a breakthrough for the 28-year-old said, Benitez said: “We are working on that but it’s not an easy transfer window. We have to wait and see if we can do something.”
Dwight Gayle and Aleksandar Mitrovic – who scored in the 3-1 friendly win over Wolfsburg on Wednesday – are United’s only two striking options.
Neither are proven goalscorers in the Premier League, however, so Benitez might well feel that he needs another option. Of course, Perez isn’t proven in England’s top flight either, but seven goals in 11 starts last season is a very encouraging return.
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