Arsenal boss Unai Emery might face a selection dilemma after forward Lucas Perez was determined to stay at the club. Perez spent the previous season on loan at Deportivo La Coruna. Perez scored only 7 goals for Deportivo in 34 matches.
There were speculations that the Spaniard was on the brink of sealing a £4.4 million move to Sporting Lisbon. However, reports from the Independent claim that the 29-year old wants to stay at Arsenal.
Perez joined Arsenal from Deportivo in 2016 at a fee of £17.1 million. However, Perez struggled in his first season as he scored only 7 goals in 21 matches across all competitions. Even though Perez has two years remaining on his contract, he may not get playing time at the club. Emery already has the likes of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Alexandre Lacazette and Danny Welbeck as suitable options up front. Given the presence of these players, it will be almost impossible for Lucas Perez to get a place in the playing XI.
Perez featured in Arsenal’s pre-season against Boreham Wood as a substitute for Lacazette. Unai Emery revealed that he might have to let some players go before the transfer window closes.
Emery said following Arsenal’s win over Lazio, “My focus is on the first match and preparing, and not for the window and the possibility to sign another player. Maybe we need some players to leave because we have lots in the squad, but at the moment, my one focus is on our work. “
