Arsenal: Lucas Perez sale shows new and improved side to Arsene Wenger

Lucas Perez is nearing an exit, with Deportivo la Coruna the frontrunners to secure his services. The impending sale has been predominantly criticised by Arsenal fans. However, could it show a new and improved side to Arsene Wenger?

Arsene Wenger is notoriously loyal to his players. Throughout his time at Arsenal, he has been willing to patiently wait for those who he believes have the talent and the potential to shine, even if the presiding feeling is that they will never reach the heights that Wenger waits for.

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There are numerous examples of this saintly patience. Even in the current squad, players like Kieran Gibbs, Theo Walcott, Aaron Ramsey and David Ospina have all benefitted from Wenger giving them chance after chance to prove the ability that he unwaveringly believes they have.

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Sometimes this stubborn patience has paid dividends. Robin van Persie is a player that most had given up on, only for the Dutchman to flourish as one of the world’s most prolific goalscorer for an 18 month period with the Gunners. However, for the most part, it has been a hindrance. His lack of ruthless streak has allowed the squad to stagnate and rot. He hasn’t continually improved the players there and has been far too forgiving of poor runs of form or repeated injury or fitness issues.

That is why his treatment of Lucas Perez is so confusing and countercultural to his usual management style. Wenger will, normally, give as many chances as possible for his players to prove their ability. That has been far from the case with Perez. In fact, the restriction of his game time is the primary reason for why he wants to leave.

Perez’s impending exit — it seems it is only a matter of time that a deal is completed, with perhaps the only hurdle to overcome is the fee that Arsenal receive — has been largely criticised. And justifiably so. In limited time, the Spaniard has impressed, showing a subtlety and sharpness to his movement that is extremely potent in the final third, a creative edge to his interplay and a clinical streak in front of goal.

Wenger, though, has been ruthless in his assessment of Perez’s ability. He has, for whatever reason, deemed him sub-standard, not good enough to contribute to the Gunners’ title challenge.

Whether that evaluation is accurate or not, what it does show is a new and improved side to Wenger. Rather than waiting and waiting for Perez to prove his quality, Wenger has made a swift and certain decision, allowing space to make immediate improvements.

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Should the decision to sell Perez be criticised? Yes, absolutely. Perez has, in glimpses, shown enough to be given more opportunities. However, in making a decision, even if it is the wrong one, Wenger is showing a ruthless side that has not been seen before, one that could lead to significant development and enhancement of the Arsenal squad.