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Arsenal’s forward line has been weakened by injuries to key players, including Gabriel Jesus. Mikel Arteta has been searching the free-agent market, but a striker has chosen to join PSV.
Former Arsenal striker Lucas Perez has joined PSV Eindhoven just weeks before the Dutch club’s highly anticipated Champions League Round of 16 clash with the Gunners. The 36-year-old Spanish forward, who was a free agent after leaving Deportivo La Coruna, has signed with PSV until the end of the season.
Perez’s career has seen him traverse various leagues and clubs, including stints at Arsenal, West Ham United, and several Spanish teams. Despite his respectable record of seven goals and five assists in 21 appearances for Arsenal, Perez struggled to find his footing at the North London club and was eventually loaned back to Deportivo before being sold to West Ham.
PSV’s acquisition of Perez comes at a crucial time as they prepare to face Arsenal in the first leg of their Champions League Round of 16 tie on March 4, 2025, in Eindhoven. The second leg is scheduled to take place at the Emirates Stadium on March 12, 2025. However, due to registration deadlines, Perez will not be eligible to play against his former club in this European encounter.
Perez expressed his excitement about joining PSV and his determination to contribute to the team’s success. “I can’t wait to show myself to the fans and my new teammates. I’m very ambitious and am looking forward to delivering many goals and assists,” Perez said in a statement.
PSV’s journey to the Round of 16 has been impressive, with the Dutch side overcoming Juventus in a dramatic playoff victory. Arsenal, on the other hand, secured their passage after finishing in the top eight of the new league phase of the competition. This upcoming clash between PSV and Arsenal marks their third consecutive encounter in European competitions, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the matchup.
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