Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger wants striker Lucas Perez to stay at the club but can’t promise him first-team football, according to a report from Goal.
The football news website claim that the French manager has held talks with the 28-year-old over remaining at the club, with Perez said to be looking for a move due to his lack of game time, as well as ambitions to be involved with Spain’s 2018 World Cup squad.
He joined the Gunners from Deportivo La Coruna in the summer of 2016 after the club activated a £17.5million release clause in his contract, but has struggled to earn first-team action since his arrival.
Wenger’s stance might come as a surprise to fans, after the 67-year-old started Perez in just two league games last season.
However, Perez adds excellent options and depth to an Arsenal team looking to fight back after a tough season that saw them finish outside of the Champions League football places.
The majority of the Spanish forward’s 11 league appearances came from the bench, but he managed to score seven goals in 21 appearances across all competitions last season.
The Scottish Sun reported at the beginning of June that fellow Premier League side Everton were considering making a move for the out-of-favour forward, while the Sun claimed that former side Deportivo were looking to bring him back for the same amount he departed for.
Goal say that while Wenger would like for him to remain at the club, he will facilitate a move from overseas clubs, so long as they make a reasonable offer.