Arsenal’s Spanish striker Lucas Perez is the most likely frontman to join Newcastle before Thursday’s transfer deadline, according to a Sky journalist.
Sky Sports’ north east correspondent Keith Downie has claimed via his personal Twitter account on Thursday morning that the Magpies will not let striker Dwight Gayle leave until the get a replacement sorted.
He then added that Premier League trio Loic Remy, Danny Ings and Perez had all been put to him with the latter being the “most likely.”
Newcastle reluctant to let Dwight Gayle leave until they get replacement. Remy, Perez & Ings all put to me – understand Perez most likely.
— Keith Downie (@SkySports_Keith) August 31, 2017
Perez only made the switch to Arsenal last summer in a £17.1million deal from Spanish club Deportivo La Coruna last summer.
However, a disappointing debut campaign with a return of just eight goals and six assists in 22 matches in all competitions alongside the signing of Alexandre Lacazette for the Gunners has reportedly made him surplus to requirements.
Here, This Is Futbol weighs up whether a move for Perez is good for Newcastle and whether it is likely to happen.
Good move for Newcastle?
Out of the names mentioned Perez is the only one to have really played a part in the last campaign. Former Newcastle striker Remy played just eight games in all competitions, which came in a failed loan move to Crystal Palace, where he remained goalless. Meanwhile, Ings was reduced to just two appearances in the EFL Cup due to injuries. Therefore, out of the three names mentioned Perez is certainly the best bet for Newcastle and despite struggling at Arsenal he could still become a success lower down in the Premier League like the Magpies.
This Is Futbol rating: 9/10.
Likely to happen?
Perez has been linked with a move to Newcastle throughout the summer, but it seems that a deal will depend on whether they can negotiate the departure of Gayle also. Now, the Magpies have made it clear that they need to sell before they can buy and they have also made it apparent that they want to add a new striker. Therefore, with just hours left before the deadline it would seem that a deal for Perez could contain many twists and turns, which won’t necessarily help the north east giants in completing a deal for the Arsenal man.
This Is Futbol rating: 6/10.