Arsenal transfer news: Lucas Perez wanted by Southampton in audacious January raid
Spaniard struggling for games following £17million summer move and could be tempted by switch to the south coast
SOUTHAMPTON are lining up an audacious January move for Arsenal striker Lucas Perez, according to reports.
The Spaniard has suffered a mixed start to his Emirates career after joining from Deportivo last summer for £17million.
But Perez won’t be short on options if he does decide to leave north London.
And one team apparently ready to pounce is Southampton, with Claude Puel searching for more firepower as his side bid for a Europa League finish.
claims the Saints want to offer Perez an escape route guaranteeing him minutes that he won’t get at his current club.
Despite racking up five goals in just seven appearances – including an impressive Champions League hat-trick – Perez is yet to find the back of the net in the league.
The 28-year-old has already suffered a nasty injury since moving to England and could be waiting a long time before displacing in-form Alexis Sanchez in attack.
Olivier Giroud is gunning for a starting place as Arsenal enter the busy Christmas period, while Danny Welbeck is expected back in training next week.
It could mean Perez finds game time even more limited under Arsene Wenger, and he could be forced to seek a move away next month.