Barcelona target former Arsenal flop to rescue their season

Spanish giants Barcelona could be set to make a shock transfer move for former Arsenal flop Lucas Perez. The La Liga champions, however, must have to match the £21million release clause of the Alaves frontman in order to get him. 

According to Spanish media house AS, Perez has emerged as one of the Barcelona's prime targets as they look to bring in another striker. After missing out on Arsenal striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang as well as Valencia forward Rodrigo in January, it looked that Barcelona would be without a number nine for almost the whole of the remainder of the season. 

Their star forward Luis Suarez is expected to be out for four months as he recovers from knee surgery. And with Ousmane Dembele ruptured his hamstring and requiring surgery, Barcelona's desperation for firepower in attack only intensified. 

The Spanish Football Federation's medical committee could give the Catalan giants a special dispensation to sign a player outside of the transfer window. 

Suarez's namesake Luis Suarez at Real Zaragoza has been linked while Willian Jose of Sociedad and Loren of Real Betis have also emerged as other reported targets. 

But, it seems that Lucas Perez is Barcelona's primary choice thanks to his experience and style of play. The 31-year-old was asked about the potential interest from Barcelona but played down suggestions of a move until the summer. 

He said: "I don't know anything about Barca's interest but if at the end of the year there is an opportunity, it will be welcome. 

"I’m not saying anything. You’ve just told me that. I’m only thinking about Alaves. Now if an opportunity arises, the club is interested and it’s a chance to earn money..." 

The Spaniard managed just one Premier League goal in 11 appearances for the Gunners during his spell at the Emirates between 2016 and 2018. Perez , however, has been in a fine form for La Liga outfit Alaves this season after joining from West Ham in the summer. 

Perez has scored nine goals and provided four assists in his 22 appearances for the La Liga outfit. He has been involved in a goal every 122 minutes, which is a pretty impressive figure.

Featured Image Credits - Mundo Deportivo