Rafa Benitez Reveals Arsene Wenger’s Classic Response When He Asked About Lucas Perez

By The Editor
on 9th August 2017

Rafa Benitez confirms interest in Lucas Perez…

Newcastle United manager Rafa Benitez has revealed that he’s interested in signing Arsenal striker Lucas Perez and even had a word with Arsene Wenger at a recent Premier League manager’s meeting.

Ahead of the big kick-off this Friday, Wenger and Benitez were at the same Premier League function alongside the other 18 head coaches, and the two exchanged brief words regarding Lucas.

After arriving from Deportivo La Coruna last season, the Spaniard hasn’t featured much in the starting XI, though he’s made efficient contributions whenever he’s been handed an opportunity.

Arsenal fans have been rather disappointed at the way Wenger has treated Lucas, especially given the boss’ history of handing multiple chances to players inferior to the Spaniard in both ability and attitude.

Benitez was asked by a fan through BT Sport’s Q&A about Newcastle interest in Lucas, and the former Liverpool boss did little to pour cold water on the story.

“I was talking with Arsene yesterday because we were at the manager’s meeting with the Premier League,” he told BT Sport.

“I said ‘listen, we have to talk’, and he said; ‘listen, if you have some money, let me know’.

“I always like good players but it’s too soon to talk about that.”

One can just imagine Wenger’s infamous smile as he responded to Benitez’s cheeky attempt at conducting negotiations during a formal function.

We don’t really know if Lucas has a preference to stay in England or move back home, but one thing we know for sure is that Premier League clubs can match our asking price for the 28-year-old.