Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has confirmed that Lucas Perez will be leaving the club, admitting the increased competition in attack means he can’t promise the Spaniard game time.

Lucas had spoken out about his frustration with a lack of playing time in his debut season and looked destined to move as a result. A number of clubs had been linked with his signature – Fenerbahce, Deportivo La Coruna, Sevilla, Real Betis and Newcastle United – but he still remains at the Emirates Stadium.

Wenger has previously hinted that the 28-year-old might be forced to stay if club’s failed to meet their £13.4m asking price this summer. But now Lucas’ exit could be made sooner after his manager admitted the club are keen to let the striker go.

“I don’t like to lose him…but we have main strikers and too much competition is no competition anymore,” he said, reports James Olley, the Evening Standard’s Chief Football Correspondent. After his £16m signing from Deportivo, Lucas made just two Premier League starts last season, scoring one goal.

In all competitions, the forward made 18 appearances but only racked up 400 minutes of playing time. He spoke out about a desire to leave Arsenal for first-team football and now the club are likely to grant him his wish.