Latest update: Lucas Perez has rejoined Deportivo La Coruna
Transfer Story
The last day of the transfer window has so far lived up to its reputation as Arsenal, Liverpool and Tottenham have been pretty active. Everton, who have been active all summer, could make a late move for Arsenal’s underused forward Lucas Perez.
Ronald Koeman is desperate to add some valuable backup players to his squad as his side look to pose a new threat in all the competitions this year. He has already signed Gylfi Sigurdsson for a club-record deal and bought talented striker Sandro Ramirez. The club even re-signed Wayne Rooney from Manchester United and look set to better their seventh place finish in the Premier League.
Arsenal spent 17 million pounds on Perez last year but the forward failed to impress in his debut season. Arsene Wenger used him as a last resort choice if his attacking options were unavailable. The Spaniard has been looking for a move away from Arsenal since the transfer window and it looks like Everton would fulfil his wish on the deadline day.
Player’s statistics
Lucas Perez came to England with loads of expectations and the ability to succeed in the League. The Gunners decent money on a player who they wanted to use as a backup and it did not serve Perez well. He had only 11 appearances in the League during the whole season. He often came as a substitute late in the second half. However, Perez had a great season with Deportivo La Coruna in La Liga before joining Arsenal.
In the 2015/16 season, he was arguably Deportivo’s best player. Perez had appeared 36 times for Deportivo and scored 17 goals during the course of the whole season. He assisted 10 goals, which took his involvement in goals tally to 27.
More importantly, Perez created a whopping 72 chances in 36 games and supplied 64 key passes. His shot accuracy was a more than decent 59%, which is better than that of many strikers. He rarely misplaced a pass as his accuracy while passing was 79%. (Source: Squawka)
How can he help Everton?
Prior to Lucas Perez’s big money transfer to Arsenal, he had racked up some amazing performances in La Liga. Perhaps, the lack of opportunities available at Arsenal meant that he had little room for development.
He never got enough game time and the manager’s lack of faith and trust in him did not help either. Perez played in La Liga and the difference in style of playing football meant that he needed more time to adjust in the league. Unfortunately, currently at Arsenal, it doesn’t look possible.
Lucas Perez’s intelligent movement is beautiful to watch. He has learned the Spanish way of playing football, which is completely different to the English Premier League. Nevertheless, he can still provide the key passes and through balls in the final third. He will add more creativity to Everton’s attack, which will help them play a more attacking brand of football.
