Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has stated that he would like Lucas Perez to stay at the club beyond the summer.
The Spanish forward joined the club last summer from Deportivo in a £17 Million deal, but has failed to break into a regular first-team role this season.
Perez has impressed many times when being given a role this term, but has continued to be overlooked, and that has led to frustration from the 28 year-old.
Perez has since talked about a return to his former club this summer, as he looks to assure himself of more regular football, with his place in the Spain international squad at risk without playing time.
Arsene Wenger has now insisted that he would like to see Perez stay in North-London beyond the summer, but it may not be his team to make such decisions on for the new campaign.
Wenger said: “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.
“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.”
Perez has the ability to change a game, and is credited with goals and assists from most of his appearances, and could still play a role in the remainder of our campaign.
Danny Welbeck picked up an injury at the weekend, and with Olivier Giroud struggling to find the net of late, Perez could well be turned to spearhead our attack.
He is finally back in training and could well be able to feature against Southampton tomorrow night.
“He is again fit,” Wenger added. “He was back in training yesterday.”
Should Perez start in place of Giroud if fit?
Pat J