Arsenal were apparently unwilling to pay £50m to sign Romelu Lukaku last summer.
- Lukaku is on the verge of completing a £75m move to Manchester United
- Arsenal signed Lucas Perez instead last summer
- They clearly wanted a different type of striker
The Belgian striker is completing a big money move to Manchester United which, after all the variables have been taken into account, could cost them nearly £100m.
Arsenal reportedly had the opportunity to sign Lukaku last summer for £50m, according to Italian journalist Emanuele Guilianelli.
Informal contact was made yesterday between Arsenal and Everton but in my opinion the deal won't progress despite Lukaku wanting the move
— Emanuele Giulianelli (@EmaGiulianelli) June 26, 2016
Arsenal aren't too optimistic after hearing they'd have to pay £50m for Lukaku to Everton.
— Emanuele Giulianelli (@EmaGiulianelli) June 26, 2016
That summer, Arsenal tried to sign Leicester City’s Jamie Vardy, but were rejected by the Englishman. They fell back on Lucas Perez and signed him for £17m.
It seemed that Arsenal wanted a quick striker who was dangerous on the counter, which suggested that they didn’t think Lukaku fit that mould.
Ultimately, Arsenal won’t be too disappointed about missing out after signing Alexandre Lacazette for £52m, a player they had also offered for last summer.
The Frenchman is better suited to Arsenal’s style of play, while also, on paper, being better value for money.