Lucas Perez has said that Arda Turan’s arrival at north London would be “very welcome“, with speculation running rampant over the Turkey international’s future.

• Lucas seems to confirm his own future at Arsenal as well as that of Mesut Ozil
• Said Arda Turan would not be an Ozil replacement
• Confirms Alexis is in negotiations with Arsenal

Lucas Perez has given an interview in Spain in which he said that it is unlikely Arda Turan would be a replacement for Mesut Özil, whom he expects to remain at the club this summer. He also confirmed that Alexis is in negotiations with Arsenal.

Arsenal have been heavily linked with a possible £25m move for Turan in the past few months, and although he is reportedly happy under Luis Enrique, he’d be tempted by the guarantee of regular first-team minutes – something that he has found hard to come by this term.

During an interview about Arsenal’s future midfield options with Marca Plus he said, “Ozil fits me because he is currently my teammate, but Arda Turan is a great player. I think Ozil is going to continue. He has not told us anything in the dressing room (about leaving). He, Alexis and the other players who are in the last year of their contract are negotiating a new deal and they will know what is best for their future.”

When pressed for his own opinion on the creative midfielder he said, “He [Turan] is a great player and would be very well welcome at Arsenal.”

This news would also suggest the possibility that Lucas is prepared to remain an Arsenal player next season after all.

The Spanish forward previously refused to rule out a possible Deportivo return but his latest comments hint that he’ll remain with the Gunners for at least one further league campaign.

He’ll naturally expect more first-team opportunities than he has received this term and who knows? Turan’s addition could help the 28-year-old settle into surroundings more as he continues to gel with new team-mates whilst aiming to stake a claim for a regular starting spot under Wenger’s guidance.