Work permit issues kill Perez’s Arsenal move

Arsenal trialist Sebastian Perez will not be moving to the Emirates Stadium this summer, despite a successful trial at the club.

The Gunners had hoped to seal a deal for the 20-year-old Colombian midfielder, but his work permit was turned down. His club, Atletico Nacional, have confirmed that he will now be staying with them, at least for the time being.

There are two other clubs reportedly keen on signing him. I’d assume given the fact he failed to get a work permit for an Arsenal move, none of these clubs are English. We’ll have to see if anything develops on his future. If he does join a club in Europe, don’t rule out a future move to Arsenal, particularly if it is a smaller club in Europe. Just if he does join a European club, he would cost much more in future than he would now.

Atletico Nacional director Victor Marulanda said the following about Perez’s future:

"“We already knew that and were waiting for the response, but that wasn’t possible and the player will keep working with us” Victor Marulanda on Perez’s failure to get a work permit.“The possibility of joining Arsenal has been ruled out. There are two clubs interested in him, it’s true. If there is any other concrete possibility, he will leave.” – Marulanda on the possibility of Perez joining another club this summer."

Trialist Sebastian Perez has been denied a work permit, killing all hopes of a move to Arsenal. Pic: Sky Sports.