Lucas, who scored 17 goals last season and opened his account for this season with the winner against Elbar last Friday, has a buyout clause of around £17m. Everton had been prepared to meet that amount and had even agreed personal terms in principle with the 27-year-old, only for Arsenal to emerge as suitors.
Negotiations between the clubs and player are understood to be under way in Spain, with Arsenal confident the move will be confirmed before the weekend. Arsène Wenger had been targeting a central defender but moved for Lucas after Saturday’s goalless draw at Leicester City, having seen interest in Jamie Vardy and Alexandre Lacazette come to nothing earlier in the summer.
