Arsenal summer signing Lucas Perez has admitted he expected to play more of a ‘starring role’ at the club after arriving in the Premier League in a £17 million deal from Deportivo Coruna.
The 28 year-old has only started two games – scoring twice in the EFL Cup wictory over Nottingham Forest – after netting 17 times in 35 games for the La Liga side last season.
Despite being frustrated by his lack of opportunities, Perez accepts that the likes of Alexis Sanchez and Theo Walcott are in good form at present as the Gunners stretched their winning streak to seven games with a 6-0 hammering of Ludogorets in the Champions League on Wednesday.
Speaking to Spanish radio station Onda Cero, Perez: said:
‘When I first arrived here I expected to have more of a starring role.
‘The teammates that are playing in my position are doing a great job,’ he said.
‘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.’
Although Perez did not get on the scoresheet after coming on as a substitute against Ludogorets, he did contribute two assists towards Mezut Ozil’s hat-trick – before telling the Germany midfielder he ‘owes me a meal’.
‘I told him [Ozil] that he owes me a meal, and he said he was happy to oblige,’ he added.
Perez will be hoping to make his second Premier League start when Arsenal host Middlesbrough on Sunday.