According to recent reports, Arsenal are preparing to use Lucas Perez as a sweetener in attempts to sign Malaga striker Sandro Ramirez.

The prolific forward, 21, joined from Barcelona last summer on a free contract and has already been linked with a move to the Premier League, having netted 16 goals and created five assists in 31 matches this term.

Ronald Koeman’s Everton have been named as one of the frontrunners for his signature this summer, though Atletico Madrid also have him on their shortlist. Provided they can get their transfer ban lifted this week, Diego Simeone will be keen to snatch the Spaniard up given his release clause is £5m.

It’s unlikely that Ramirez would be currently interested in a move to Arsenal, mainly due to a lack of first-team assurances. Unless there were a few departures in an attacking sense this summer, he’ll have stiff competition for a regular starting berth.

Our recent article highlighted speculation that Wenger is interested in both Ramirez and his team-mate Pablo Fornals. However, it appears as though the Gunners are prepared to let their own wantaway forward leave to push through a potential move for a replacement in Sandro as part of a swap deal, according to football.london.