Alaves forward Lucas Perez has claimed that he turned down the chance to sign for Barcelona during the January transfer window.

With Ousmane Dembele and Luis Suarez having sustained long-term injuries, Barcelona required a short-term replacement, eventually settling on Leganes attacker Martin Braithwaite.

However, Perez has suggested that he rejected the opportunity to make the switch to Camp Nou, acknowledging that he did not want to become another fringe member at a big club.

Speaking to Marca, the 31-year-old said: "In the winter transfer window, like all transfer windows, teams usually call. In fact, not only Barcelona called, but other teams as well. But in my head, I wanted to end the season here because I am happy and I have a contract.

"I didn't want to take another misstep, where I would not have opportunities, as happened to me in England. In no case did I plan to leave mid-season, I want to stay here until the end."

During two seasons with Arsenal and West Ham United, Perez made just six starts and 20 substitute appearances in the Premier League.