Arsenal's £16.9m bid for Lucas Perez deemed 'unacceptable' as Deportivo La Coruna reject Gunners' attempt to pay transfer fee in two instalments

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Arsenal have been told that the structure of their £16.9million bid for Lucas Perez is 'unacceptable'.

Arsenal want to pay the 27-year-old striker's buyout clause in two instalments but his club Deportivo want the fee in one payment.

The impasse will give Everton hope in their pursuit of the player but it is understood Lucas's preference is to join Arsenal owing to the prospect of playing Champions League football.

Arsenal's bid of £16.9million for Lucas Perez has been deemed unacceptable by Deportivo

The Gunners have met Perez's buyout clause but want to pay over two instalments

The Goodison Park club have proposed to pay the £16.9million buyout clause for the Deportivo La Coruna striker but are wary that negotiations have not been straight forward.

Perez was a target for Toffees director of football Steve Walsh at Leicester and he has maintained interest since his move to Goodison Park. 

However, Arsenal have tracked the 27-year-old Perez for the past year and made a rival offer just as Everton were looking to push through the deal.  

The forward is quick, can play off the wing or as a central striker and scored 17 goals in La Liga last season. 

Valencia had also made an enquiry for Perez as they look to replace Barcelona-bound Paco Alcacer but have been told the player wishes to join the Gunners.

Meanwhile, Valencia have agreed an £8million deal with Deportivo for defender Sidnei which may trigger Shkodran Mustafi's departure to the Emirates Stadium.

Valencia say they are still awaiting a proper offer from Arsenal for the German international while Everton have an interest in another of the La Liga club's central defenders, Aymen Abdennour, as an alternative to Sunderland's Lamine Kone.

Perez is also wanted by Everton and Deportivo want to receive any transfer fee in one payment