According to reports, Arsenal forward Lucas Perez is now targeted by Turkish giants Fenerbahce as the Spaniard has increasing doubts over his future at the Emirates. The 28-year-old had to endure a largely injury-stricken campaign in his first season at the club with many raising concerns over the player’s future now.
And the fears were further well-founded by the arrival of Alexandre Lacazette from AS Lyon in a record Arsenal fee. Arsene Wenger’s future plans about the Spaniard have hardly been discussed, which makes it very difficult to understand whether the Frenchman sees him in his side. Next season will be tremendously crucial for him, following what has been a disastrous campaign.
Wenger knows well that he went against the majority of the fans to extend his deal at the club by two years and any kind of failure to stand on the expectations could prove detrimental to the legacy he wishes to leave at England. And Arsenal’s transfer activities reflect Wenger’s intent to a large extent. Apart from the arrival of Sead Kolasinac from Bundesliga side FC Schalke for free, which was a classic Arsenal signing, the Gunners have already brought in Ligue 1’s prolific scorer and are close to sealing a deal for AS Monaco’s thrilling youngster Thomas Lemar.
Of course, it leaves a clear indication of Arsenal’s star man Alexis Sanchez leaving the club before next season starts and Lucas Perez looks likely to join him. The Spaniard’s agent had previously spoken about the player’s annoyance concerning the lack of chances in the first team despite the player proving himself, and him getting omitted from Arsenal’s pre-season tour gives an indication of his future at the club.
Lucas Perez joined the Gunners last season for £17 million and has turned out to make 11 Premier League appearances for the club, while nine of them coming from the bench. He scored one goal in all of them, which was an astonishing volley against Bournemouth when Arsenal was losing. In the Champions League, however, Perez managed to score thrice and assist twice in three games.
Wenger has used him more in the EFL Cup and FA Cup, where he has scored thrice in seven outings. And his goal conversion rate is what should keep Arsenal from selling him. Perez’s quality in front of the goal is undeniable and with Arsenal playing many small, unknown sides in their Europa League campaign, Perez’s quality could come in handy.
The 28-year old is undoubtedly a terrific finisher and what he essentially needs is more game time to prove his mettle at the top level. His technical prowess is quite similar to that of Santi Cazorla, and he could give Arsenal that extra attacking dimension in the closing minutes. So, Wenger should really convince him to stay for another season.
