Palermo president Maurizio Zamparini has claimed that his club missed out on the chance to sign Las Palmas forward Sergio Araujo this summer.

The 23-year-old spent last season on loan at Las Palmas from Boca Juniors, but the move to the newly-promoted La Liga outfit was made permanent in this summer's transfer window.

"My main regret is Araujo, without question. He was my main objective to replace [Paulo] Dybala. We made a considerable effort for him, we presented a good offer," Zamparini told reporters.

"I was convinced that his talent and characteristics really could replace Paulo. Among the profiles we looked at, his football was the most bewitching. If I have to name one regret, then it'd be him."

Araujo scored 25 times in 43 league games for Las Palmas last season as the Spanish side secured promotion from the Segunda Division.