Arsenal news: Lucas Perez expected more of a 'starring role' after joining Gunners for £17m in the summer

The Spaniard has made just one Premier League start for Arsenal since making the move to north London

Lucas Perez could start against Reading (Getty)

New signing Lucas Perez has admitted that he expected more a “starring role” at Arsenal after joining the club in the summer for £17m.

The former Deportivo La Coruna player was brought in during the final days of the transfer window as manager Arsene Wenger sought to bolster his front line options, but the Spaniard has been rarely used.

Since signing for the club, Perez has made just one Premier League start for the Gunners, alongside a single substitute appearance. The 28-year-old has played a mere total of 64 minutes within the league so far.

“When I first arrived here I expected to have more of a starring role,” Perez told Spanish radio station Onda Cero.

“The teammates that are playing in my position are doing a great job. We have won seven games in a row and, at the end of the day, the coach wants what is best for the team.

“I had hoped to have more playing time, but what I have to do now is make the most of the opportunities I get.”

With the likes of Theo Walcott, Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez excelling in recent weeks, Perez has found himself on the periphery of Wenger’s match-day squads.

The Spaniard was, however, put to good use during Arsenal’s EFL clash against Nottingham in which he scored twice to help fire the north London club to a 4-0 victory.

Despite his most recent comments, Perez has signalled his willingness to play the waiting game.


 With the likes of Theo Walcott and others finding their form in recent weeks, Perez has struggled to make Wenger's starting XI 
 (Getty)

Speaking after Arsenal’s 6-0 win over Ludogorets, the forward told IBTimes: “The coach told me to be quiet because he trusts in me.”

“He says that he has been following me for a long time and that he likes me so I have to be patient. He said that opportunities will come and today he has proved it. He is a good guy and is always there to help us.

“When I came to Arsenal I knew where I was coming. I know there are great players here. I have to wait for the opportunity. Everyone wants to play, but the important thing is the team and we have won seven games in a row.”