Arsenal 'interested' in NUFC star - & he will "jump at the chance" to join them - Report
According to Football.London, Arsenal have shown interest in Ayoze Perez - and they claim the Spaniard would "jump at the chance" to join the Gunners this summer.
Talk of exits for some of our star players has gone quiet in recent weeks, with the focus being on a potential takeover and a much needed new deal for Rafa Benitez, but it seemed inevitable that the 25-year-old would receive interest after his stunning form in 2019.
He talked up a potential move back to Spain recently, but the likes of Spurs and now Arsenal are being credited with interest, suggesting he could yet stay in England.
Here's a snippet from Football.London's piece, claiming he would be eager to join Arsenal should they make an official approach:
'Closer to home Newcastle United's Perez is said to be interesting the Gunners. The 25-year-old former Tenerife midfielder has been starring for a mediocre St James' Park outfit this term with 11 goals in 36 games with two assists.
'Priced at around £10m-£15m the former young Spanish player of the year could shine for Emery.
'He would jump at the chance to join the North London giants.'
One thing that doesn't add up from the above extract is the price they're discussing. There's no chance he'd be valued at "£10-£15m".
If anything, I'd imagine we'd be looking for at least double that given his age, the potential he's shown in a struggling team, his versatility and the fact he's got into double figures across the past THREE seasons - despite playing as a secondary striker.
Perez's head has been turned if you ask me. I feel our only way of convincing him to stay would be to keep a hold of Rafa and show summer ambition in the summer transfer market.
The issue in all of this is it's therefore in the hands of Mike Ashley - but I back him to sell our stars and settle for mediocrity over standing firm on outgoings and backing Benitez; and THAT is why we need a takeover.
