Arsenal Boss Emery Faces Selection Dilemma

JOSHUA PECK

Arsenal boss, Unai Emery, could face a selection dilemma this season with Lucas Perez reportedly determined to stay at the Emirates.

Perez was believed to be on the verge of a £4.4million move to Sporting Lisbon having failed to make a strong impression at Arsenal.

He scored just one Premier League goal during his debut campaign after moving to London from Deportivo La Coruna almost two years ago.

The 29-year-old then spent last season back at the Spanish club on loan but The Independent now claim the forward aims to win a place in Emery’s side.

Perez has two years remaining on his contract and would face competition for a spot in Arsenal’s front line.

Emery has the likes of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Alexander Lacazette and Danny Welbeck at his disposal.

Perez featured in Arsenal’s first two pre-season friendlies against Boreham Wood and Atletico Madrid.

However he was left out of the team that faced Chelsea and the one that beat Lazio 2-0 on Saturday night.

And Emery has admitted he may have to lose some players this week with the transfer window slamming shut on Thursday (5pm).

“My focus is on the first match and preparing, and not for the window and the possibility to sign another player,” Emery said after Arsenal’s final pre-season friendly.

“Maybe we need some players to leave because we have lots in the squad, but at the moment, my one focus is on our work.”

One player to leave could be Aaron Ramsey with the Welshman believed to be wanted by Chelsea and Liverpool.

The Wales international recently opened up on his contract situation, saying: “Am I under pressure? No.

“It’s my decision and whatever I decide to do, that’s on me.

“The only thing that makes it awkward is the media keep asking the questions. It’s like having a baby in the car saying, ‘Are we there yet, are we there yet?’

“I’m a player who always gives 100 per cent regardless of what’s going on. I will be no different to that and I will give absolutely everything to try to achieve something special this season and win games, regardless of what is going on behind the scenes.

“We are communicating. My agent and the club are speaking but we’re yet to come to an agreement.”