Barça turn attention to Lucas Perez

Lucas Perez could become one of the surprise signings of the summer and join Barcelona as the trident’s understudy. 

Barça have contact the player, his agent and Deportivo La Coruna to communicate that the forward, 27, features on the select list of player wanted for Luis Enrique’s side. 

With each passing day, Lucas Perez’s name carries more weight in the club’s offices. 

At the end of last season, sporting director Robert Fernandez drew up a list of names to add depth to the front line. Lucas Perez was on the list, but not in first place - which was transmitted to the player and his agent when they were told of the Blaugrana’s interest. 

It was the moment to find out the player’s thoughts on a potential move and to ask for patience to see how the transfer market evolved during the European Championships. 

Time has played in Lucas Perez’s favour, who fits all the demands for the coaching staff and the board. The forward guarantees quality, is good in one-on-one situations, versatile and has a good goal scoring record (17 last season in La Liga). 

As for Depor, they are ready to do business at a reasonable price - for less than the 20 million euro release clause. Sources close to Barcelona estimate the operation could cost around 12 million euros, with an option to include variables. 

The third factor is whether the player is happy to assume the role of back-up to Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar. In this sense, there is no problem, with the player theoretically keen to take on that task. 

Lucas Perez, Barça and Depor are all in tune to open negotiations over a possible transfer.