According to reports from Cadena SER, Deportivo have rejected Arsenal’s transfer bid for forward Lucas Perez.
Over the last 24 hours, a multitude of sources have reported on the Gunners’ approach for the Spaniard, who bagged 17 goals in La Liga last season.
Indeed, The Daily Mail first reported on the Gunners’ interest yesterday, whilst The Telegraph revealed this morning that club officials had travelled to Spain to complete a deal with Deportivo. Even BBC Sport – who usually only act once information is concrete – felt compelled to do a write-up.
Perez’s contract includes a £16.9million buyout fee and it was assumed Arsenal’s offer would match it. After all, why would the north Londoners offer less with Everton and Valencia also in the frame?
But according to Cadena SER, Deportivo have rejected the Gunners’ bid. Although it matched the 27-year-old’s buyout, Arsenal want to pay the sum in two instalments – a structure the La Liga outfit clearly aren’t happy with.
Several reputable English journalists – such as The Telegraph’s Matt Law and BBC Sport’s Phil McNulty, who wrote the aforementioned Beeb article – have commented on the reports in Spain. However, both still expect the deal to go ahead before the summer deadline.
Despite Spanish reports of a rejected bid, sources close to the deal are still v confident Lucas Perez will join Arsenal #afc
— Matt Law (@Matt_Law_DT) August 25, 2016
Reports in Spain saying Deportivo reject Arsenal's 20m Euro offer for Lucas Perez Martinez because they wanted to pay in two instalments.
— Phil McNulty (@philmcnulty) August 25, 2016
Arsenal still very much favourites for Lucas but may feel able to dictate because Everton had agreed a deal.
— Phil McNulty (@philmcnulty) August 25, 2016
And in Arsenal's defence – if the reports out of Spain are correct – it might just be a spot of transfer negotiation. They all do it.
— Phil McNulty (@philmcnulty) August 25, 2016
Re. Arsenal – don't most clubs try to negotiate rather just arrive with all the money up front? Still think Perez deal will get done.
— Phil McNulty (@philmcnulty) August 25, 2016
