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Arsenal: Lucas Perez hitting the point of no return
Arsene Wenger has admitted that he feels sorry for Lucas Perez. The Spaniard has hit the point of no return regarding a possible Arsenal exit.
The comeptition in the Arsenal squad is both a positive and a vice. It allows Arsene Wenger to rest and rotate his players, ensuring that they remain fresh for the whole season. It also limits his ability to keep many of them happy, an issue that is quickly coming to the fore.
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Lucas Perez has publicly stated of his unhappiness and his frustration at his restricted first season in North London. WIth his campaign curtailed by injuries and a lack of trust from his manager, Perez has enjoyed just two starts in the Premier League all season, and has only seen featured time in the domestic cups.
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It has led many to suggest that he will leave the club in the summer, with Perez himself highlighting the possibility of returning to his former side, Deportivo la Coruna. And now Wenger has had his say on the possiblity of a Perez exit just 12 months after signing for £17 million last summer. Wenger revealed that he feels sorry for Perez and suggested that, while he would like him to stay, his lack of game time may continue to be a problem:
"“He is again fit. He was back in training yesterday. He’s a top quality striker but I couldn’t give him the games he wants and deserves, I confess that. I feel a bit sorry for him. If I am the manager I would love to keep him but we have to sit down and see if he has a realistic chance to play.”"
It is very unlike Wenger to publicly discuss transfers, both ingoing and outgoing, especially regarding a specific player. Usually, he will talk about general principles in the transfer window, perhaps referring to positions or philosophies that he would like to bolster and improve. Rarely does he so openly discuss the future of an individual, whether that individual is a member of his squad or another.
That suggests to me that Perez is reaching the point of no return in regards to his Arsenal future. He has grown frustrated with life at the Emirates. There are public statements from Perez hinting at a possible departure. And now Wenger is willing to discuss his disappointment and heavily hint at a possible departure.
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It would be a shame to see a player who has looked as sharp as Perez in limited time leave Arsenal. But Wenger is the man who calls the shots, he is the one who picks the team, and if Perez does not feature in his plans, such is the competition in the squad, that allowing him to leave may be the wisest choice.