Newcastle look to snap up the signatures of Jack Wilshere and Lucas Perez as Arsenal look to offload the two players
According to the Daily Mail, Arsenal have told Jack Wilshere that he can leave the club. The 25-year old midfielder has less than a year left on his contract, and the club are looking to do business of him as he does not seem to be a part of Arsene Wenger’s plans this season.
Wilshere, touted as the most technically gifted Englishman after Steven Gerrard and Paul Scholes when he broke on to the big stage, has failed to live up to the expectations of the Gunners’ manager.
Wilshere created 34 chances for Bournemouth last season, the most by any other cherries players. Arsenal are reportedly willing to sell him to Newcastle for 20 million.
Apart from Wilshere, Rafael Benitez has made it very clear that he’s interested in signing Lucas Perez from Arsenal. Perez is currently unhappy with his playing time, making just 21 appearances last season. With Alexandre Lacazette on board and Olivier Giroud set to stay at the club, Perez is surplus to Wenger’s requirements.
Arsenal reportedly want 17 million for Perez in order to reimburse the amount they paid for the 28-year old Spaniard when they bought him from Deportivo la Coruna. The Magpies are unlikely to pay the required amount, which means Perez could end up at Newcastle on loan. The forward has reportedly put in a transfer request.
Rafael Benitez, making a return to the Premier League, has cut a frustrated figure in the transfer market so far, and the addition of Wishere and Perez will probably lift some of the gloom at St. James’ Park. Newcastle are also expected to seal two other deals this week, including a 7 million move for Stoke City striker Joselu and a season-long loan for Chelsea winger Kenedy.
Joselu has scored just 22 goals for Stoke City since his arrival two years ago, while 21-year old Kenedy will be looking to prove himself on the big stage, after failing to make much of an impact at Chelsea since his move from Fluminense. Although Kenedy’s move hasn’t been finalized, Benitez remains hopeful for the deal to come through.
