If and if and if ... Would he get a work permit?
... and risk injury.
L'Équipe reports that Wenger is extremely impressed with Pérez, although there are no confirmations out of Colombia that he might have signed or us.
As mentioned on here first, Pérez is a very good player. Mature beyond his years, great range of passes and calm in possession. Essentially a deep-lying playmaker and not a true defensive midfielder.
If and if and if ... Would he get a work permit?
Or maybe an Italian passport?
City will snap him up tomorrow.
... Exceptional Talent Rule. He's appeared at each age group so far for Colombia and is likely to break into their senior squad soon - despite incredible competition from a new golden generation looking to emulate the likes of Valderrama, Rincón and Higuita from the 90s.
The fact that Colombia are currenly the world's third ranked team on the Fifa rankings (behind Spain and Germany) would also count in his favour.
Pérez has also been a regular in central midfield for his club team Atlético Nacional since he was 18 and has already won a league title.
Like I say, he's young, but mature and experienced beyond his years.
I'm really not worried ither way though as he'd definitely get in under the Exceptional Talent Rule if necessary.
He'll have to adjust to the Premiership but he's got great potential and the right attitude - he's very humble and comes over as being a bit starstruck despite his own talent. If he signs he won't be out partying every night like Asprilla at Newcastle...