Newcastle have reportedly approached Arsenal over signing Lucas Perez and Jack Wilshere.

While Newcastle have been linked with both players this summer, and Rafa Benitez has already made his interest in Lucas very clear, they’ve now reportedly made an approach for both the Spaniard and Wilshere.

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According to the Daily Mirror, Wilshere has been told he can leave Arsenal. The 25-year-old has less than a year left on his current deal and the Gunners are allegedly hoping to get £20m for him.

However, Arsenal are supposedly asking for at least £17m for Lucas – the same amount they paid Deportivo for the forward under a year ago. It’s understood that the Magpies won’t pay this and therefore might try and get the 28-year-old on loan instead.

Arsenal were previously reported to want just £13.4m for Lucas.

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The forward was unhappy with his lack of playing time last season despite him spending a good portion of the campaign sidelined through injury. He only made 21 appearances across all competitions and with Arsene Wenger signing a new two-year deal, he doesn’t believe his situation will improve.

The Spaniard still has three years left on his current deal, so while a loan move wouldn’t be the end of the world, Arsenal will most likely prefer to sell him and recoup as much money as they can for him.

With Alexandre Lacazette on board, Lucas is surplus to requirements, as he’s now fallen even further behind in the pecking order.

Lucas has allegedly handed in a transfer request.