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Everton could be set to miss out on striker Lucas Perez after Arsenal launched a late bid for the Deportivo striker.
The Toffees were understood to have agreed a fee in the region £17m for the 27-year-old, who scored 17 goals in La Liga last season.
Personal terms were also reportedly agreed with a deal seemingly close to completion.
However, various journalists are reporting that Arsenal made moves to sign Perez late on Wednesday evening.
Arsenal interested in signing Deportivo La Coruna CF Lucas Perez. Not done deal but #AFC in contention - 27yo, 17 gls in 37 apps last season
— David Ornstein (@bbcsport_david) August 25, 2016
There is still some way to go before the move it is completed but Arsenal are now firm favourites to land the striker.
The Gunners can of course offer Champions League football while the lure of living in London is also an attractive proposition to foreign players.
Everton had done all the groundwork on Lucas Perez Martinez & sorted deal with Deportivo - but Arsenal came in with late interest.
— Phil McNulty (@philmcnulty) August 25, 2016
Some critics may question Everton’s ability to get these deals over the line, leaving themselves open to gazumping by more established rivals.
However, I think the reality is that Everton’s current position in the footballing food chain means they will always struggle to land top targets from abroad.
Until they secure European football, maybe win a trophy or two and start to trouble the top positions in the Premier League they will always be overlooked if the likes of Arsenal or Man City come calling.