AS Roma have become the latest club to be linked to departing striker Lucas Perez, according to reports.

Having sold Mohamed Salah earlier in the window, AS Roma have lost a large part of their attacking threat on that right hand side of the pitch. Recent rumours have linked them to Leicester’s Riyad Mahrez as a result, and he has reportedly said that he would be interested in a move, but that the club haven’t met Leicester’s valuation.

According to Corriere dello Sport (via Football Italia), Roma may instead look at Lucas Perez, who they have reportedly been offered for £12.2m. Perez tends to play as a central striker, but also has experience of playing on the right hand side of the pitch in the past, and could therefore fill the position for Roma.

He would also certainly come at a significantly cheaper cost than Mahrez, although he is a few years older than the Algerian. Since it seems that Roma can’t afford the valuation set by Leicester for Mahrez, Lucas would be a good alternative.

According to Spanish radio station COPE (via talkSPORT), Lucas has handed in a formal transfer request in an attempt to finalise a move away. Other clubs rumoured to be interested include his former club Deportivo La Coruna, as well as Newcastle and Sevilla.

Last season Lucas didn’t complete 90 minutes for Arsenal on a single occasion in the league, despite being fit enough to complete a match for Deportivo a few days before joining the club. He was never really given a chance with the Gunners, so it makes sense that he is moving to somewhere he will be.