Arsene Wenger feels that new striker Lucas Perez will quickly settle at Arsenal and predicts he will be vital for their season.
The 27-year-old Spanish striker was signed from Deportivo La Coruna in a reported deal worth £17.1 million and the Arsenal manager was keen to praise his new striker’s ability.
“I’m confident. He has pace, good technical levels, is a good finisher and he has the ingredients to be a success," said Wenger. "It’s always a little bit of a gamble to come from one country to another, with different challenges, but I believe it was a gamble worth taking. I’m excited about that.”
Wenger also added that he was confident the much travelled striker will integrate into Arsenal’s style well with his link up play with his team mates and defence beating runs.
“I’m happy because I believe he has the qualities to integrate into our team very well”
Perez arrives to Arsenal off the back off a fine goalscoring season in Spain with 17 La Liga goals and was the standout star of a Deportivo side that avoided relegation. He joins Arsenal hoping to improve the North London side's striker options with Oliver Giroud their only fit senior centre forward.
Arsenal's Answer To Vardy?
With many pundits remarking how he is a late bloomer in terms of his footballing talent, many experts are comparing him to Jamie Vardy. Wenger believes this is down to him only recently being played as a centre forward.
“He’s a late developer in this position because he has always played on the flanks. He’s got a good eye for goal and had an outstanding season last year in a team that didn’t create too many chances.”
Perez Admires Ex-Gunner
In an interview with Arsenal’s official website, Perez told the website that he has always been an admirer of Arsenal’s style and former stars, including Jose Antonio Reyes.
“Well, obviously everyone knows about Arsenal’s legendary players, such as Henry and Bergkamp," said Perez. “I really admired Reyes, who’s a fellow Spaniard.
“[There’s] Pires, Vieira too… that was a wonderful time for Arsenal and everyone knows all those players. People know all about them in Spain and that history of having legends at the club is part of the reason Arsenal are so popular.”