If reports in Italy are to be believed, Lucas Perez could be on his way out of Arsenal as early as January. It is believed that Perez, who made a £17.1 million move in the summer might be shipped out on loan when the window opens.
The forward has had a quiet start to life in North London enjoying just 87 mins of game time with Alexis Sanchez performing admirably as a striker. The Chilean has been the top goalscorer and provider for the side with 6 goals and 3 assists which clearly indicates how sublime his performances have been. Olivier Giroud is second in the pecking order which has resulted in Perez warming the bench.
Also read: EPL 2016/17: Olivier Giroud's anger at substitute role pleases Arsene Wenger
The Spaniard scored 17 goals in the previous La Liga season for Deportivo which encouraged Wenger to table a bid for the striker .
Giroud recently scored the equaliser for the Gunners against Manchester United coming on as a super-sub and followed that up with a goal against PSG in the Champions League and this will encourage Wenger to place his faith in the Frenchman.
Danny Welbeck is also expected to return from injury soon which will make it tougher for Perez to ger regular game time.
The 2 goals in the EFL Cup tie against Nottingham Forest was his best performance in an Arsenal jersey with the striker giving his new fans a glimpse of his talent.
Inter Milan and Napoli are in the fray
With Icardi linked to several Premier League clubs after he burned his bridges with the fans with his controversial comments in his autobiography, Perez might prove to be a suitable replacement. A loan move will get him regular game time which will further boost his confidence.
Napoli are also linked with a loan move for the striker with their main striker Milik out as a result of an injury he suffered while on international duty with Poland. With attacking wingers and crossers like Insigne and Callejon, a move to Napoli might be beneficial in the long run.
Perez’s agent Llovelle was dismissive of reports linking him with a move away from the Emirates. “He’s not playing because he is injured, he has no intention of leaving, Arsenal and Wenger are very happy with him. Maybe try asking them!” Llovelle stated.
“He’s only thinking about Arsenal at the moment,” he went on to add.
Arsenal are currently 4th in the Premier League at this stage of the season with 25 points from 12 games, while North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur are just behind them on 24 points. The Gunners play Bournemouth on Saturday at the Emirates as they look to close in on top spot.
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