‘Perez wants to leave Arsenal’

Lucas Perez has been frustrated by lack of game time at Arsenal, according to his agent

Lucas Perez wants to leave Arsenal this summer after becoming frustrated over a lack of opportunities, his agent has said.

In August, Perez moved to the Emirates Stadium from Deportivo La Coruna for a fee believed to be in the region of £17m.

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But the 28-year-old found his chances severely limited, with Perez starting just twice in the Premier League in 2016-17.

He suffered with a thigh injury in March but even when he returned to full fitness he failed to make a single matchday squad, before being named on the bench for the FA Cup final win over Chelsea.

He was Arsenal’s fifth-most expensive signing when joining last summer but now his agent, Rodrigo Fernandez Lovelle, says his intention is to leave.

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“The idea is to be able to play for another club,” Lovelle said. “We want to leave and Arsenal already know. Do you know anyone who is happy but has no opportunities?”

Manager Arsene Wenger’s own future was clarified on Wednesday when it was announced he had signed a new two-year deal.

Perez (second left) scored seven goals in all competitions for Arsenal

Speaking in May, 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.”

A return to Deportivo could be a possibility, while Lovelle suggested a loan move would also be agreeable if Arsenal were happy to facilitate.