Former Arsenal striker Lucas Perez, aged 36, has shocked fans by joining PSV Eindhoven.
The free agent signed a short-term deal until the season’s end. His return sparks memories of his North London days.
Perez impressed in the Spanish second tier by netting four goals and providing four assists in 19 league games. His sharp performances captured PSV’s attention and fueled their pursuit of top talent.
PSV advanced to the Champions League round of 16 after beating Juventus 4–3 on aggregate. This victory earned them a tie against Arsenal, who booked their next-round spot by finishing third in the league phase.
Arsenal signed Perez from Deportivo La Coruna for £17m in 2016. He made 21 appearances, scoring seven goals and adding five assists. His Champions League hat-trick against FC Basel remains a highlight. After his loan spell, he moved to West Ham for £4m in 2019 and scored six goals in 19 games.
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Perez left Deportivo after his contract was canceled for personal reasons. He joined PSV on a short-term deal and expressed his excitement. “I can’t wait to show myself to the fans,” he declared, promising goals and assists for his new team.
His career has seen him return to Deportivo four times. In December 2022, he paid £408,000 to exit his Cadiz contract and help his boyhood club following their relegation. Last season, he registered 35 goal contributions in 35 games as Deportivo earned promotion to the Segunda.
Now, Perez sets his sights on Dutch honors. He remains determined to help PSV secure both the national title and the cup. He trains tirelessly on and off the pitch to prove his worth in a new challenge.
Meanwhile, Arsenal faces its own challenges. Manager Mikel Arteta struggled after a 1–0 loss to West Ham. Mikel Merino and Raheem Sterling did not impress, leaving Leandro Trossard as the fallback option. Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus are ruled out for the season. Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli remain sidelined by hamstring injuries. Arsenal must regroup before the Champions League clashes. The first leg will be held at the Philips Stadion on March 4. The return leg takes place at the Emirates on March 12.
