NtvSpor have claimed Fenerbahçe officials will fly to Spain to hold talks over the transfer of Arsenal forward Lucas Perez, which will provide a worry for Rafael Benitez.
Reports have increased over the past couple of days, both in England and Spain, of Newcastle United interest in the player, and Benitez himself has confirmed he’s keen.
Former Deportivo La Coruna forward Perez has been linked with the Turkish giants in recent weeks, and it’s been well documented Perez is Fenerbahçe manager Aykut Kocaman’s first choice.
Kocaman and Benitez therefore have at least a little in common.
It’s been reported Mahmut Uslu and Hasan Cetinkaya, both important members of the Fenerbahçe board, will travel to Madrid to meet with the Arsenal player. Fenerbahçe have been in talks with Arsenal over a potential transfer, with recent claims from Turkey a deal was close.
Perez has been hoping for a return to his home country, where he excelled with Deportivo, but offers haven’t been enough to convince Arsenal.
Arsenal have stood firm on the Lucas Perez situation, and won’t collapse their price just to facilitate a move back to Spain. Turkey may not be Perez’s first choice, but would likely represent more money for Arsenal.
Newcastle United should be able to do that too, especially with Benitez becoming frustrated over the club’s transfer situation, but they face a serious tussle with Fenerbahçe.
