Deportivo La Coruna defender Juanfran has urged Lucas Perez to move back to the club and take the captain's armband.

Perez joined the Gunners from Deportivo last summer but found first-team opportunities hard to come by, with just seven goals from 21 appearances in all competitions.

The signing of Alexandre Lacazette appears to have pushed the Spaniard further down the Emirates pecking order and it seems only matter of time before he leaves the club.

Deportivo are said to have made a 10m euros bid for the player while Turkish giants Fenerbahce are also thought to be keen, but have yet to approach the north Londoners.

Juanfran wants the powers-that-be to get the deal done as soon as possible and is excited by the prospect of the 28-year-old returning.

"I wish Lucas would come back and join us, it would be a huge jump in quality," he told Marca. "To be honest, we already have a captain [defender Pedro Mosquera], and I am sure we would like the other one to be Lucas.

"I have known him for years and I hope that he returns. His shirt number and captain's armband is waiting, and it would be a huge jump in quality for Deportivo.

"We will have to wait for him and remove other options, as he is the type of player that we need."