Deportivo expect to miss out on Arsenal forward Lucas Perez

Joe Wright

Deportivo expect to miss out on Arsenal forward Lucas Perez image

Arsenal forward Lucas Perez remains a transfer target for Deportivo La Coruna but the La Liga club's president says the chances of signing him are "remote".

The 28-year-old moved to the Emirates Stadium last year from Depor for a reported €20million but he has struggled to force his way into manager Arsene Wenger's plans.

Lukaku move inspired by Pogba

Perez was left off Arsenal's squad for their pre-season tour of Australia and China, prompting speculation of a move away from the club, with the player said to be eager for regular first-team football to bolster his chances of making Spain's World Cup squad next year.

However, Depor president Tino Fernandez says he has been told by the Gunners that they are not interested in a sale.

"Lucas is at a great club who made a big financial effort for him, there's a high level there and also the desire of the club is not to look for an exit," he said on Monday.

"We've spoken to Arsenal, we were interested and we informed them of that, although it's true that that was days ago and other things have happened since then, like the fact that he will not be with the team for a few games."

He added that "the possibilities are remote" that Perez will return to the Riazor.

Joe Wright

Joe Wright Photo

Joe is a Senior Editor at Sporting News. He was previously a sub editor and writer for Goal.com before spending six years as part of the Stats Perform editorial news service, covering major global sports including football, tennis, boxing, NBA, rugby union and athletics. Joe has reported live on some of the biggest games in football, including two UEFA Champions League finals, Euro 2016, the Confederations Cup 2017 and the 2018 World Cup final at the end of a month in Russia.