We once again have Arsenal FC transfer news circulating in the Twitterverse, blogosphere, cyberspace and media world. With just a day and change left before the summer transfer window closes, the Gunners are very active in closing out their transfer business.
Arsene Wenger made some moves very early on in the transfer window for Rob Holding and Granit Xhaka, but it was essentially pretty quiet until last Thursday, when news broke of Arsenal agreeing to terms with Deportivo La Coruna for striker Lucas Perez Martinez for £17 million and a £35 million deal Shkodran Mustafi.
Lucas Perez was turned down by Arsenal just one month ago, but he was unveiled as a new member of the squad today.
? You heard @LP10oficial – watch his first @Arsenal interview here ?https://t.co/a7DhLawCy1#BienvenidoLucas pic.twitter.com/uNFJo6fKZE
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) August 30, 2016
Wenger made the following statement on the club’s official website: “He’s not only a goal scorer, 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.”
“As always in football, clubs have to evaluate what they need, but they showed interest when they got in contact,” Perez said in his statement to the club’s official website.
“Things happened more quickly towards the end of the window so it could be made official.”
“I’m delighted. It’s a massive step in my career to come to a club with the history and quality that Arsenal have and be able to play in competitions like the Premier League and the Champions League. I’m very proud and happy to be here.
“I played as a striker for most of my career but I can adapt to any of the four positions across the front line. I prefer playing as a striker but I have no problem playing anywhere up front.”
“I’m a pacy player. I like to link up and combine with my teammates, playing one-twos to work a shot. I don’t want to put myself in a box, I hope that the Arsenal fans can see for themselves and enjoy watching me.
“I want to show what I’m about, get stuck into playing and perform well.”
Thus, at long last, is this the new striker that Gunners supporters have been clamoring for? The man who will be a huge upgrade over Olivier Giroud, and finally vault Arsenal to the top of the Premier League table? No, it’s not, but you already knew that from the transfer fee price.
The official unveiling of Mustafi is expected to follow soon. The duo comprise the highest spending single day that Wenger has ever had while leading Arsenal.
Paul M. Banks runs The Sports Bank.net, partnered with FOX Sports Engage Network. and News Now. Banks, a former writer for the Washington Times, currently contributes regularly to the Chicago Tribune’s RedEye publication and Bold Global.
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