Arsenal: Lucas Perez early return riddled with questions

With Arsenal going into the January transfer window reinforcements are needed. Would Lucas Perez be able to fulfill the void left by the possible exits?

Lucas Perez was a player that didn’t get the chance he deserved, despite showing consistency. Since joining Deportivo La Coruna he’s managed to bag four goals and one assist. With the Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez contract issues, it looks as though Arsenal may be willing to recall Perez.

Versatility

When Lucas Perez joined Arsenal, it appeared as if he was signed to be a striker. Yet, despite being considered an out and out striker, he was deployed in seemingly every position besides striker.

He played on the right wing and as a No. 10 and was effective in both positions. Not only is he a good goal scorer, but also a good creator. With the Ozil and Alexis Sanchez saga spiraling into an inevitably terrible end for Arsenal, the Spaniard could help fill the void left by at least one of the contract rebels.

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Sanchez and Ozil

This brings me to my next subject: the contract rebels themselves. Perez was loaned out due to the fact that Alexandre Lacazette was brought in. The Frenchman was given the No. 9  shirt and Perez was thrown out the door. Now that Ozil and Sanchez both look set to be leaving (especially Alexis), Perez could fill either of their positions at least temporarily.

January

Anyone who keeps up with Arsenal’s transfer business knows what happens in January. Nothing. Nothing at all. Despite Arsenal being rumored with big names such as Draxler and Lemar, the recall of Lucas Perez seems more realistic.

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However, he will most likely not be recalled if Ozil and Sanchez stay at the club through January. They may stay through the January window because, for all we know, they both could have pre-contract agreements with another club.

In a nutshell, Wenger generally prefers to take the easy way out of transfer business. Recalling the Spanish forward would be a cheaper and easier option for Arsenal to make.

The real question, though, is would he want to come back? Since joining Deportivo, Perez has had a total of 15 appearances and  we’re only at the halfway point of the season. In a full season with the Gunners, he had only 11.

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Recalling the Spanish loanee would be an easy and cheap option that Arsenal are willing to make happen. It would definitely add to the depth, but is it what we need?