Newcastle in pole position to sign £17m Arsenal star as Euro giants pull out of race

Newcastle United have been left in pole position to sign Arsenal striker Lucas Perez.

Turkish giants Fenerbahce had recently struck agreed personal terms with Perez however, Arsenal refused to let the forward leave on a loan deal.

The Yellow Canaries have subsequently pulled out of the race to sign the 28-year-old.

See More: For more Fenerbahce news and anything else related to the club

Newcastle boss Rafa Benitez has publicly expressed his interest in the Spaniard.

The Spanish outlet Television De Galicia claim that the Magpies are leading the race for Perez.

Perez joined Arsenal for a hefty £17 million (BBC) from Deportivo last summer. However, the prolific striker failed to break into Arsenal’s starting lineup on a consistent basis.

The Spanish striker still managed to score eight goals and provide six assists in 22 appearances for the Gunners last season. Perez’s chances of breaking into the first team have decreased significantly following the signing of Alexandre Lacazette from Lyon.

Arsenal take on Leicester City on Friday night for the opening game of the 2017-18 Premier League season.