Lucas Perez recently revealed that he expected more minutes when initially arriving at Arsenal but Wenger told him to ‘be quiet’ about it as he trusts him.

The £17m signing from La Liga side Espanyol has only started once since arriving in north London, featuring for just over an hour in our slender 2-1 win over Southampton.

Two goals and an assist against Nottingham Forest in the 3rd round of this year’s EFL Cup, as well as two assists more recently against Ludogorets last Wednesday have asked the question: Why has he not been involved more often this term?

NOTTINGHAM, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 20: Lucas Perez (C) of Arsenal celebrates scoring his team's third goal with Jeff Reine-Adelaide (L) and Chuba Akpom of Arsenal during the EFL Cup Third Round match between Nottingham Forest and Arsenal at City Ground on September 20, 2016 in Nottingham, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
NOTTINGHAM, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 20: Lucas Perez (C) of Arsenal celebrates scoring his team’s third goal with Jeff Reine-Adelaide (L) and Chuba Akpom of Arsenal during the EFL Cup Third Round match between Nottingham Forest and Arsenal at City Ground on September 20, 2016 in Nottingham, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

As quoted by IBTimesUK, Lucas said“The coach told me to be quiet because he trusts in me. He says that he has been following me for a long time and that he likes me so I have to be patient.

“When you arrive at a new club it’s obvious that you have the enthusiasm and the desire to prove your worth. But this is Arsenal and there is much competition, those who are playing are doing well.”

Lucas, who turned 28 in September, will be hoping for more opportunities to impress after a 20-minute appearance off the substitutes’ bench during the goalless draw with Middlesbrough this weekend.

As a forward who predominantly operates in the centre, it’s tough for him to start and play regular minutes given the form of Alexis Sánchez, who has gradually adapted his playing style to suit a more attacking role up-front in the absence of Olivier Giroud.

What’ll give Lucas confidence though, is the fact that his encouraging displays are being rewarded.

With the first-team in a multitude of competitions, both domestic and European this season, there’s plenty of time and chances alike for Lucas to stake his claim for a starting spot in the near future, provided he trains well and remains consistent with his performances.