Lucas Perez looking for way out of Arsenal?

Arsenal striker Lucas Perez is reportedly eyeing a fresh challenge elsewhere following his lack of playing time at the Emirates this season. The Spaniard joined the Gunners from Deportivo La Coruna for £17.1m in the summer.

Perez, 28, was expected to command a regular place in the starting line-up under Arsene Wenger when he first arrived from La Liga in August.

However, he has since struggled to break into the starting line-up with Alexis Sanchez and Olivier Giroud being preferred ahead of him for the centre-forward role.

According to Italian source Calciomercato, the Spaniard could be off the Gunners ranks in January with Southampton prepared to lodge a bid for his services.

Saints boss Claude Puel is on the search for a pacey forward after star striker Charlie Austin was ruled out for the long-term with a dislocated shoulder.

Despite his limited action this term, Perez has been successful in other competitions with his Champions League hattrick against Basel being a highlight moment.