Arsenal: Is Lucas Perez eligible for Champions League round of 16 after completing PSV transfer? | OneFootball

The ex-Gunners flop has completed a short-term move to PSV Eindhoven

Done deal: Lucas Perez has sealed a move to PSV, Arsenal’s next Champions League opponents

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Lucas Perez has joined Arsenal’s Champions League round of 16 opponents PSV Eindhoven on a free transfer.

But he has been snapped up by PSV as they have moved to sign a replacement for Ricardo Pepi who is expected to be sidelined for a while due to a knee injury.

After signing a short-term contract with the Eredivisie side, the Spaniard says he is raring to get started for his new club: “I can't wait to show myself to the fans and my new teammates. "I am very ambitious and look forward to delivering a lot of goals and assists.

“My first impression of the club is very good, I am energized by the people I have already met."

Perez is expected to join his new teammates in training straight away and could make his PSV debut in the KNVB Cup semi-final against Go Ahead Eagles on Wednesday evening.

Of course, this particular transfer has garnered the attention of many Arsenal supporters on social media, with some fearing the club’s hopes of advancing to the Champions League quarter-final will be ruined by a former player.

Can Lucas Perez play against Arsenal in the Champions League?

No, Lucas Perez will not be eligible for Champions League football after PSV submitted their updated squad prior to their playoff clash with Juventus and are not permitted to make further changes.

Despite this, the Spaniard plans to play his part in helping PSV chase down Ajax to retain their Eredivisie crown: "I am hugely driven to help this club achieve its other goals, including winning the national title and national cup,” he said.

Arsenal travel to the Philips Stadion on Tuesday 4 March, 2025 for the first-leg of the round of 16 meeting before hosting the return leg at the Emirates Stadium eight days later.

The winners of the tie will face either Real Madrid or Atletico Madrid in the quarter-final.