Lucas Perez has insisted that Arsenal’s decision to give his number 9 shirt to new signing Alexandre Lacazette is the final straw for his time at the club (via The Metro).
Lucas Perez has had a strange season at the Emirates. The late-summer acquisition has barely played for the Gunners since his £17 million transfer from Deportivo.
The Spaniard has, however, impressed on the few occasions he has played and managed 7 goals for the Gunners in 21 matches.
He was handed the number 9 shirt upon his arrival, a number which has since been stripped off him and given to new signing Alexandre Lacazette. Now, Lucas has spoken about the club’s treatment of him.
“I feel cheated,” Lucas told Spanish publication La Voz de Galicia. “In February I was not allowed to leave for China with the promise that I would play more and after that, I had even fewer opportunities.
“Last year he [Wenger] told me that he understood that I was upset. I think this season things will get worse, so help me out.”
We reported yesterday that Lucas’ former club, Deportivo are ready to offer the forward a ten-year contract in an attempt to bring him back to Spain. It’s an offer which Perez seems to be considering.
“Since I have been a professional footballer, I’ve felt happiest in Deportivo, surrounded by my family and my friends. Put yourself in my place.
“I know I have chances to play for the national team. To play at the World Cup. But for that, I have to play and I have to be happy. That’s why I want to go back to Coruna.”
Arsenal’s treatment of Lucas Perez has been poor. He’s shown his quality during the brief opportunities he has been given and would have been a useful part of the squad for the coming season. His performances were better than the likes of Theo Walcott and Alex Iwobi last season who were both given far more time on the pitch. It’s a shame but it’s time for Lucas to move on.