Arsenal should jump at £17.5 million Lucas Perez offer

Sevilla are reportedly set to offer £17.5 million for Lucas Perez. If that is the case, then given the animosity between player and club, Arsenal should jump to accept.

It has undoubtedly been a frustrating first season at Arsenal for Lucas Perez. With Arsene Wenger on the look out for a flashy, new striker, after a number of spurned advances and rejected bids for a variety of different players, he settled for the £17 million addition of Perez late in the window.

In fact, he had to hijack Everton’s proposed move to ensure that he was able to secure the services of the striker, with both clubs activating a release clause in his contract, but the sway of Champions League football ultimately convincing Perez to take the plunge into English football at the Emirates, rather than on Merseyside.

More from Pain in the Arsenal

It could well be a decision that he has now come to regret. Thanks to a number of niggling injuries early in his time in North London, Perez was relegated to a reserve role and was never given any more responsibility than that throughout the season. For some reason, Wenger was untrusting of the Spaniard, even with his sharp performances in the domestic cups and the consistent invigoration that he brought to the side’s attack late in games when coming off the bench.

Given his clear frustration at the lack of opportunities that he has been afforded, there have been many reports linking him with a move away after just one year with the club. The latest rumour suggests that Sevilla are willing to offer Perez a return to Spain, after lining up a £17.5 million offer for his services.

If the rumour is true and the figure accurate, then Arsenal should jump at the opportunity to sell. While I would like to see Perez remain at the club and given greater playing time given the success he has enjoyed in limited time thus far, it is clear that Wenger is Perez’s biggest fan and will continue to use him sparingly.

As such, if it possible to get nearly £20 million for a seemingly unwanted player, then such a chance should be grasped with two hands. Wenger, for whatever reason, does not want Perez. Selling him seems inevitable. The question then becomes what kind of value can be received.

Next: Arsenal: 3 immediate ramifications from Arsene Wenger staying

If the rumour of Sevilla’s impending offer is true, then it seems that the value is rather substantial. I was fearing that Arsenal would not get more than £10 million for Perez, but if £17.5 million is being offered, then the Gunners should jump at it without hesitation.

Home/Arsenal News