Depor offer Arsenal forward Lucas Pérez a ten-year contract

Deportivo La Coruña will offer Arsenal forward Lucas Pérez a ten-year contract in an attempt to lure the Coruñés striker back to his hometown club. The unorthodox proposal would see Pérez remain at Deportivo as technical secretary when he retires.

Pérez has struggled for opportunities at Arsenal

Galician newspaper DXT Campeón reports that Deportivo president Tino Fernández has tabled the eyebrow-raising offer while the club negotiate a price with Arsenal. It is understood that a fee of €10-12m would be sufficient to secure Pérez’ services. The player's contract in North London runs until the summer of 2020. Deportivo would pay Pérez a similar amount to what he would earn from that Arsenal contract, but over a longer period of time. 

Lucas Pérez joined Arsenal in August 2016 for a fee of €20m, after scoring 17 goals for the Branquiazuls in a fruitful 2015/16 season. Yet he found opportunities scarce in London, starting just two matches in the Premier League.

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Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has acknowledged that he cannot offer Pérez the opportunities he deserves. "He is a top-quality striker but I could not give him the games he wants and deserves, I confess that,” Wenger said in May.

Fenerbahce also interested

Rodrigo Fernández Lovelle, the player’s agent, is remaining tight lipped. Yet it appears more likely than ever that the 28-year-old will return to Riazor.

Fenerbahçe are also interested in Pérez, but the player would prefer a move back to Deportivo, or at the very least, Spanish football. He has not yet been capped by the Spanish national side. But with one season to go before the 2018 Russia World Cup, Pérez views playing in LaLiga as his best chance of impressing Spain coach Julen Lopetegui.

According to La Voz de Galicia, Lucas Pérez feels "cheated" by Arsenal, in particular the club's decision to hand his 'number 9' shirt to new signing Alexandre Lacazette. He has also stated his desire to return to Deportivo.