Deportivo manager Pepe Mel has admitted defeat in his pursuit for Arsenal’s Lucas Perez, with the Gunners refusing to lower their asking price.

According to AS, Mel is targeting alternatives as Depor have made little progress in their attempts to sign Perez. He said: “Everyone understands that Depor wants Lucas.”

“I know Arsenal well … they do not give away anything, especially if they have paid more before. I told the president to work hard on plan B, because it will probably be the most feasible.”

“But of course we would be waiting with open arms for Lucas because it would make us a team with many more options.”

Perez was brought to the Emirates Stadium for £16m from Deportivo last summer but ended up making just two Premier League starts in an Arsenal shirt.

Despite the lack of playing time, in all competitions he averaged a goal scored or created every 44 minutes, but couldn’t convince manager Arsene Wenger for more playing time.

The 28-year-old has been linked with a host of La Liga sides this summer, but Arsenal reportedly want what they spent on the forward 12 months ago which could prove a stumbling block for suitors.