Transfer Centre

Rafael Benitez confirms interest in Arsenal outcast Lucas Perez

By Daniel Lewis, Senior Reporter | 07 August 2017

Benitez confirms interest in Lucas Perez

Rafael Benitez talks up the qualities of Arsenal striker Lucas Perez and suggests that he is keen to bring him to Newcastle United ahead of the new season.

Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez has hinted that he will do all he possibly can to sign Lucas Perez from Arsenal before the transfer window closes.

The Magpies recently emerged as contenders to land the Spain international, who is out of favour at the Emirates Stadium and free to find a new club.

Perez, who started just two Premier League games in his maiden campaign with Arsenal, is currently weighing up his options after attracting interest from a number of clubs around Europe.

Newcastle are among those willing to offer the 28-year-old a lifeline, with Benitez a fan of the former Deportivo La Coruna striker.

"I like the player because I have good friends in A Coruna," he told reporters. "I know that he did really well. He's come here and not played in many games, but I like the player.

"We know what we need and will try to do it until the end of the transfer window. We are now trying to work in different directions at the time."

Sevilla, Deportivo, Fenerbahce and an unnamed Bundesliga club are also understood to be in the running to land Perez.