Arsenal announce Perez purchase

Arsenal have announced the signing of striker Lucas Perez from Spanish club Deportivo La Coruna.

The 27-year-old appeared set for a move to Everton before Arsenal rekindled an interest to capture the Spaniard. The terms of the deal were not disclosed.

“Spanish forward Lucas Perez is joining us from Deportivo La Coruna,” Arsenal wrote on their official website.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said: “He’s not only a goalscorer, he’s a guy who combines well with partners, who can give a final ball and makes good runs.”

“He’s got a good eye for goal and had an outstanding season last year.”

Lucas scored 19 goals in all competitions and 17 in La Liga last season. He also netted in seven successive games.

He began his career with Atletico Madrid C and then moved to Rayo Vallecano before spells with Ukraine’s Karpaty Lviv and PAOK in Greece. He joined Deportivo in 2014, initially on loan.

Arsenal have been keen to bolster their strike-force this season and were understood to be interested in Lyon’s Alexandre Lacazette, but could not agree a deal with the French club.

Lucas becomes Wenger’s third summer signing – after midfielder Granit Xhaka from Borussia Monchengladbach and Rob Holding from Bolton – but more could follow, taking the Gunners’ spending close to £100million.