Daily Mirror

WENGER’S PANIC BUY

Arsenal ready to land £17m Perez but.. A month ago they didn’t rate him They want to buy him in instalment­s Swooped as Everton scout wanted him

- BY JOHN CROSS Chief Football Writer

ARSENE WENGER is ready to sign Lucas Perez for £17million – even though a month ago he was deemed not good enough.

Arsenal compiled several scouting reports and they knocked back the chance to sign the Deportivo La Coruna striker in July. But with pressure from fans demanding action in the transfer market, boss Wenger (left) has gone back in for

FROM BACK PAGE City have faced Barca, the Blues having lost all four games in the knockout stage against the fivetime winners.

The draw also means a return to Barca for Claudio Bravo, who yesterday completed his £17.1million move to City, replacing Joe Hart as No.1.

They have also been drawn in Group C with Celtic and Borussia Moenchengl­adbach.

City sporting director Txiki Begiristai­n said: “We’re very happy, but it’s a tough draw.

“We were in the semi-finals last season and want to get there again.

“We beat Moenchengl­adbach twice last season, but both games were difficult.

“They’re a very strong side and, of course, Barcelona are always a favourite.

“For Bravo, Pep, me and Ferran Soriano, City chief executive, it’s home again. It’s better to face them in the group stage than in the round of 16 like before.”

 ??  ?? CHANGE OF LUC.. Wenger has now decided to move for striker Perez
CHANGE OF LUC.. Wenger has now decided to move for striker Perez
 ??  ?? TIME’S UP Hart is close to leaving
TIME’S UP Hart is close to leaving

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