Arsenal: Lucas Perez The Final Nail In Arsene Wenger Coffin

Lucas Perez is rumoured to be wanting an Arsenal departure. If he does indeed leave, it would be the final nail in the Arsene Wenger coffin.

Much of the aftermath of Arsenal’s embarrassment at the hands of Bayern Munich on Wednesday night has centred on the future of Arsene Wenger. Whilst there are still some who believe the club would be best served by him staying, there is a growing number who are joining the ‘Wenger Out’ brigade. Their voice is getting louder.

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There is a growing pressure, both from fans and the media, for Wenger to step down at the end of the season when his current deal expires. ‘The time has come’ people say. ‘He used to be great, but no more’ is the message of many his critics.

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What is clear, though, is that the decision will be his and his alone. Arsenal have tabled what-is-thought-to-be a two-year deal and have not retracted their offer amid the raucous and aggressive atmosphere that surrounds the club after the Champions League dismantling. However, there is a growing thought that Wenger himself may call it a day.

That sentiment is only increased with the feelings of players within the squad, especially those either nearing an exit or pining for one. Both Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil are seemingly on their way out of the Emirates having delayed contract talks on numerous occasions, winding down their current deals to a little over a year remaining. But there are others who are becoming disillusioned with life in North London.

One such figure is Lucas Perez. After only being signed by Wenger in the summer to add some much-needed attacking depth, the Spaniard has struggled to forge a starting role for himself, forced to settle for late-game cameos and meaningless starts in domestic cup ties. Recent reports state that Perez is unhappy with the lack of opportunities he is receiving and is consequently yearning for an exit.

That is an understandable stance. The glimpses that he has shown merit further chances. And yet Wenger seems, for whatever reason, unwilling to give them to him. It is always a curious case when a talented player who has impressed in bit-part action cannot break into what is a first-team struggling for form and results.

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If Perez were to leave in the summer, it would perhaps the final nail in Wenger’s long-built coffin. The striker may be just one player too many to revolt against his ways for Wenger to accept. And that is very sad indeed.