Lucas Perez lifts lid on Arsenal transfer

Spanish striker Lucas Perez has revealed that Arsenal were in the hunt for his signature as early as January.

The 27-year-old joined the Gunners from Deportivo La Coruna this week after they triggered the £17.1m release clause in his contract.

Arsene Wenger's side had failed in their pursuit for Leicester City star Jamie Vardy earlier in the summer, and there were suggestions that Perez was recruited as an alternative to the England international.

However, it seems that the player was being closely tracked by the Gunners since the New Year, but he couldn't move midway through the league campaign.

"The Arsenal offer came just days before the end of the transfer window," he told reporters.

"But I knew about the interest of Arsenal for a long time. They showed interest in me during the January transfer window but then I couldn't leave."

Perez, who has yet to earn a call-up with Spain, netted 19 goals and eight assists for Deportivo last term. Everton were deemed favourites to secure his services in the transfer window before the Gunners stepped up their interest.