Arsenal: Doomed Lucas Perez another Arsene Wenger blind spot

Lucas Perez has discussed his frustration during his first season at Arsenal, heavily hinting that he will leave this summer. He is another Arsene Wenger blind spot.

The Arsenal career of Lukasz Podolski was a frustrating one for fans. The German clearly had ability: a rocket of a left foot, intelligent movement, neat link-up play and sharp in the penalty area, whether it was playing wide or centrally, Podolski would always impress during the short time that he was on the pitch.

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But Arsene Wenger was unwilling to ever trust him with a run of starts, especially when the big games came around. And after three restricted and infuriating seasons in North London, Podolski left with little more than a whimper.

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The very same scenario is now playing out once more with Lucas Perez. Another left-footed, versatile attacker, who is capable of playing both wide and through the middle, Perez, in his first season in England, has grown discontented with his lack of opportunities and now looks set to leave, just a year after signing in a £17 million move. When asked about his limited minutes and future prospects, Perez was surprisingly open about the difficulties he has enjoyed, while highlighting possible destinations if he were to leave:

"“This season has been difficult because I think I’ve deserved to play more. I’ve spoken to the coach and he admits as much, but he has own ideas and I respect that. I’d like more opportunities because I think I deserve them, but I’ll have to accept what comes my way. If they decide to transfer me, there is always the opportunity to go back to Depor. I know there are other clubs who want to sign me and my intention is to play in the Champions League. But in the summer we will see if Depor is still an option.”"

Very rarely is an Arsenal player so honest about wanting to leave the club, so much so that they are willing to discuss clubs who may be interested in signing them. That tells me that Perez is very close to an exit this summer, something that has likely been agreed with Wenger. And that is a problem.

Perez has looked extremely sharp when he has made his way onto the pitch. In 136 Champions League minutes, Perez has scored three goals and assisted two more. In three EFL Cup starts, he has scored twice, while adding another in the FA Cup. And more than just the statistics, from the eyeball test, Perez has looked like an all-around, accomplished, creative attacker that suits that possession-orientated, fluid, interchangeable attacking approach that Wenger encourages.

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That is why his likely departure is difficult to understand. Wenger certainly has a blind spot. He had one for Podolski all those years ago and he now has one for Perez, and that is an almighty shame.