Arsenal transfer news: Lucas Perez 'completes medical' as Gunners close in on double deal

All the latest transfer news and gossip from the Emirates Stadium on Saturday 27 August

Lucas Perez of RC Deportivo la Coruna gets past Raul Baena of Rayo Vallecano (Getty)

Lucas Perez has reportedly completed his medical and will complete his move to Arsenal this weekend for an expected £17m.

The Gunners have beaten Everton to the Spanish player who scored 17 La Liga goals for Deportivo La Coruna last season. It’s believed the 27-year-old will join on a four-year contract.

Arsenal’s first offer was rejected by the La Liga side on Thursday after they tried to pay the fee in two instalments, but a subsequent structured bid was accepted.

The signing marks a notable U-turn from Arsenal having originally turned down the opportunity to sign the Spaniard last July. Arsene Wenger allegedly had doubts over the player who has never been capped by his country nor experienced Champions League football.

But given the nature of this year’s transfer window, in which Arsenal have struggled to assert themselves, Wenger admitted that the club have had to “restart” with regards to their summer targets.

Speaking on Friday, the Frenchman said that he had anticipated an “easier” transfer market but was forced to reassess his options after missing out on his priorities earlier in the window.

“This season I thought we had the most easy transfer window ever, because we knew what we wanted and who we wanted and it didn’t come off so you have to restart,” admitted Wenger.

The Arsenal manager insisted that the club were not “panic-buying” though.

Shkodran Mustafi is also expected to join Perez in a double swoop that will collectively cost Arsenal more than £50m. While Valencia had initially stated that the German was not for sale, it seems the club changed their mind after receiving an increased bid from the Gunners.

Valenica boss Pako Ayestarán said: "A week ago the offer wasn't enough to get him but now the offer is considerable." Like Perez, Mustafi is similarly expected to be confirmed as an Arsenal player in the coming days.

Inter Milan’s Marcelo Brozovic has also been linked to the club after his agent remarked that Arsenal were interesting in signing the player.

The 23-year-old has been put up for sale by the Italian side, and could now be set for a switch to the Premier League.

“It’s true, there are many options and we are talking about some big European clubs,” agent Miroslav Bicanic told papers in Croatia.

“I heard that Chelsea representatives are in Milan and that Arsenal are also prepared to sign him. Inter are pushing to sell to one of these two clubs who are prepared to pay a sum that satisfies all concerned.”

But with the Gunners currently focused on finalising the Perez and Mustafi transfers, the chances of a late Brozovic deal seem slim at best.