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Confirmed: Arsenal complete the £17m signing of Lucas Perez after bizarre Twitter message
ARSENAL have confirmed the signing of Spanish striker Lucas Perez after a bizarre message on Twitter.
Five things you need to know about Lucas Perez
Perez joins the Gunners from Deportivo La Coruna after Arsene Wenger agreed to trigger his release clause last week.
He underwent a medical on Friday and Wenger confirmed the deal was close over the weekend.
He arrived in London last night and was pictured at Heathrow Airport ahead of today's announcement.
The striker will challenge Olivier Giroud and Alexis Sanchez for a place up front in Wenger's first XI.
Wenger said: “He’s not only a goalscorer, he’s a guy who combines well with partners, who can give a final ball and makes good runs. He’s got a good eye for goal and had an outstanding season last year.”
Arsenal tried to tease fans with a Twitter message before the announcement.
Right, anything else for us to tweet this afternoon? Oh yeah... who's this? pic.twitter.com/lsof5nHX4t
— Arsenal FC (@Arsenal) August 30, 2016
They then moved quickly to comfirm the deal - which is still subject to a regulatory process.
Perez's squad number will be confirmed later today.
You're spot on @VintageBrady - and here's the man himself! #BienvenidoLucas pic.twitter.com/xOTMw00hLQ
— Arsenal FC (@Arsenal) August 30, 2016
Lucas Perez has signed for Arsenal for £17m
We want your messages for @LP10oficial - so send them in using #BienvenidoLucas pic.twitter.com/vt5DtNQ12a
— Arsenal FC (@Arsenal) August 30, 2016
Arsenal are also expected to announce the signing of Germany defender Shkodran Mustafi in a £35m deal.
Wenger agreed to pay up after Valencia looked to freeze the move.
Mustafi will come in to ease the strain on Wenger's defence after the injuries to Per Mertesacker and Gabriel.
Shkodran Mustafi is expected to join Arsenal today
Rob Holding, signed from Bolton for £2m, partnered Calum Chambers at centre-back in the opening game of the season which Arsenal lost 4-3 to Liverpool.
Laurent Koscielny then returned to take Chambers' place and the former Southampton man is now set for a season-long loan with Middlesbrough.
Mustafi will partner Koscielny with Holding third choice until the return of Mertesacker and Gabriel.
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