If the media are to be believed, Lucas Perez has completed his Arsenal medical and the deal is set to be announced.
If true, it’s unlikely that Perez will be announced until early next week. If he’s only just completed his medical, it would be rather out of character for Arsenal to publicly confirm the deal so soon. We seems to like to have pictures taken, first interview carried out and everything in place for him to join to squad ASAP before we so much as hint that we’ve signed someone. Perhaps he’s had some of this already done but that would be pure speculation on my part.
So, let’s go back to the start.
Everything kicked off on Thursday when it was rumoured that the Gunners had triggered Perez’s release clause. There was a brief period when sources claimed it had been rejected but this wasn’t the case.
It was then reported that Perez would be in London on Friday morning to complete his medical. This was followed by Wenger confirming he was trying to get the deal done during his pre-Watford press conference and David Ornstein confirming that the medical was happening.
On Friday afternoon, the overwhelming consensus was that Perez wass in London and his medical had been completed.
Perez in London for medical,all agreed. But may not be announced today. Mustafi may not be announced for couple of days but pretty much done
— John Cross (@johncrossmirror) August 26, 2016
https://twitter.com/AFCPressWatch/status/675039786432897025
Arsenal agree £35m deal with Valencia for Mustafi. Will fly to London for medical, seal terms on 5yr contract. Perez medical also today #AFC
— David Ornstein (@bbcsport_david) August 26, 2016
The deal is thought to be worth €20m. A lot less than Alexandre Lacazette, who was said to be setting us back at least €20m+ more than that.
Is Perez basically the budget version because we wouldn’t buy Lyon’s main striker? I don’t know but what matters is that it appears to almost be done.
On Lucas Pérez and AFC. They wanted Lacazette but when Lyon asked for €55m, they choose LP. Not true at all that he was rejected earlier
— Guillem Balague (@GuillemBalague) August 26, 2016
For everything you need to know on Perez to Arsenal, click here.