Lucas Perez insists that despite not getting the chance to play often since signing for Arsenal from Deportivo in the summer, he’s still satisfied with his position at the club, as well as Arsene Wenger.

• Lucas cost Arsenal a reported £17m
• Lucas has scored 7 times in 21 appearances
• The forward has played under 1000 minutes for Arsenal

The 28-year-old has really struggled for game time since his move to Arsenal in the summer. This is partly down to injuries, which he’s been unlucky with. In fact, he missed a total of eight games due to an ankle injury he suffered against Reading in the EFL Cup.

However, when he’s been given the chance, Lucas has produced. In 948 minutes of football, he’s scored seven goals over all competitions, which is around a goal every 135.4 minutes. When you consider that 11 of his 22 appearances have been in the Premier League totaling just 265 minutes – that’s an average of just 12 minutes per game – you begin to understand just how well he does with the sliver of time he’s given on the pitch.

When speaking with Radio Marca recently, Lucas pointed this out. Although, he was also keen to insist that he’s happy with Arsene Wenger and understands his choices.

“Although I’m not a starter, I have a very good relationship with Wenger. He is an icon and I think he is going to continue,” the Spaniard said.

“People respect him. His relationship with the players is very good and he has been here 20 years.

“I would like him to continue but that’s his decision. He has not communicated his decision to the team or the club yet.”

The forward added, “A team like Arsenal has very good players, especially in attack. The coach can only choose 11 and the only thing I can do is make the most of the chances I’m given.

“Whenever I’ve played, I’ve done well and that gives me confidence. I have to be patient and continue to fight.

“This [move to Arsenal] has been an opportunity to progress and not just from a sporting standpoint. It has been an opportunity to join one of the best teams in the world and that is why I’m very satisfied.

“I was unlucky to be injured the first few months since I arrived at Arsenal. I now feel capable of showing why Arsenal signed me and I try to make the most of the opportunities I’m given.”

Lucas has been rumoured to want a move away this summer despite only being at Arsenal for one season due to his lack of playing time. West Ham and AC Milan have both been linked. However, the player and his agent have maintained that he wants to stay and fight for his place.

The forward is currently sidelined for three weeks with a thigh injury he picked up in training.