Arsenal sign Spanish striker Perez

Cape Town – Arsenal have confirmed the signing of Spanish forward Lucas Perez from Spanish outfit Deportivo La Coruna on a reported four-year contract.

The 27-year-old scored 17 goals in the 37 appearances he made during 2015/16, contributing eight assists in what was a very strong campaign on a personal level.

Fans have been patiently waiting for official confirmation and the club finally announced on Arsenal.com a short time ago that Lucas has completed his move to the Emirates.

Arsenal have shelled out £17m to lure Perez away from Deportivo.

Arsenal have completed the signing of Valencia centre-back Shkodran Mustafi.

“I’m happy because I believe he has the qualities to integrate into our team very well”, Arsene Wenger told Arsenal Player.

Lucas scored 19 goals in all competitions and 17 in LaLiga last season.

Perez began his career with Atletico Madrid before spells with Rayo Vallecano, Ukrainian club Karpaty Lviv and PAOK Salonika in Greece.

Perez follows Swiss global midfielder Granit Xhaka, Japanese forward Takuma Asano and young English centre-back Rob Holding in arriving at Arsenal during the mid-year transfer window.

‘When I heard of the interest and saw people trying to get me here – and the situation wasn’t easy – it gives me the feeling that you are really wanted.

Arsène Wenger said: “He is at the right age”.

Thus, at long last, is this the new striker that Gunners supporters have been clamoring for? I prefer playing as a striker but I have no problem playing anywhere up front. As always in football, clubs have to evaluate what they need, but they showed interest when they got in contact.