Report: PSG to pursue Arsenal's Perez instead of Sanchez

Paris Saint-Germain is apparently prepared to shift its attention away from Arsenal star Alexis Sanchez ahead of what’s expected to be a busy summer for the French side.

The defending Ligue 1 champion will, instead, focus its efforts on an Arsenal forward who won’t cost nearly as much, setting its sights on Lucas Perez, sources revealed to Jonathan Johnson of ESPN FC.

Sanchez remains on the team’s radar, but PSG has apparently been put off by reports linking Arsenal’s Premier League rivals Manchester United and Manchester City with a possible move for the 28-year-old.

The change in approach, according Johnson, is primarily due to the team’s desire to keep Edinson Cavani satisfied with his role at the club. Sanchez’s arrival would result in a situation similar to when Zlatan Ibrahimovic forced the Uruguayan forward – who leads Ligue 1 scorers this season with 29 goals – to play out wide.

(Photo courtesy: Action Images)

With a pair of suitable wingers already in the fold – Angel Di Maria and Julian Draxler – PSG has identified Perez as a proficient alternative to Cavani in attack.

The Spanish forward has been somewhat disillusioned since his arrival from Deportivo La Coruna last summer, saying in October he expected to play “more of a starring role” at Arsenal this term.

Meanwhile, speculation over Sanchez’s future in north London suggests the Chile international could be set for a transfer within the Premier League following reports he’s unhappy at Arsenal and would prefer to join rivals Chelsea.