Who is Lucas Perez? Profile of Arsenal's new striker from Deportivo

By Charlotte Marsh

As Arsenal close in on the signing of Lucas Perez, we take a look at three of his goals for Deportivo last season

All you need to know about Lucas Perez, the striker Arsenal have signed on the penultimate day of the transfer window.

Arsene Wenger has come under increasing scrutiny from fans and press alike over his transfer policy this summer, but the Gunners announced the signing of the Spaniard from Deportivo La Coruna on Tuesday afternoon.

"He's not only a goalscorer, he's a guy who combines well with partners, who can give a final ball and makes good runs. He's got a good eye for goal and had an outstanding season last year," Wenger said upon his arrival.

So just who is he, what is his playing style and how will he fit in at Arsenal?

Profile

Image: Lucas scored during Deportivo's 2-2 draw with Barcelona in December, coming from 2-0 down at the Nou Camp

Age: 27

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Position: Forward

Club: Deportivo La Coruna

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Nationality: Spanish

Background

A late bloomer in footballing terms, Lucas - as he is simply known - was born in the town of A Coruna, the home of his now former club Deportivo, although he took a roundabout trip to get there.

He played in the Spanish lower leagues before being scouted for Atletico Madrid's C team in 2007 and played for them in the Tercera Division for two seasons before moving to Rayo Vallecano's B squad. 

The striker made a few appearances for the Rayo first team in the Segunda division, playing five times and scoring one goal as the side were promoted to La Liga at the end of the 2010/11 season.

Image: Lucas previously played for Greek side PAOK, spending two seasons with the club

It was then that Lucas made a move abroad, signing for Ukrainian side Karpaty Lviv as a free agent in January 2011 and also had a short loan spell at Dynamo Kiev. However, he failed to make an appearance and he later described it as 'the worst four months of my life'. 

In the summer of 2013, the Spaniard signed a three-year deal worth 700,000 Euros (around £599,270) with Greek club PAOK although only featured prominently for one season before going on loan to Deportivo for the 2014/15 campaign.

After a few weeks back in Greece, the striker signed a permanent four-year deal with the La Liga club in August 2015 and came into his own last season. 

Wenger: Perez can be my Vardy

Arsene Wenger feels Lucas Perez could be Arsenal's version of Jamie Vardy.

He netted 17 goals in 36 appearances for Depor as they secured their place in the Spanish top flight for another season with a 15th-place finish. Lucas' total was more than Kevin Gameiro and Fernando Torres. 

It may only be one game into the new La Liga season, but Lucas has picked up where he left off, scoring the winning penalty as Deportivo beat Eibar 2-1 on the opening weekend, having grabbed an assist for his side's equaliser.

Style of play

Image: Lucas has thrived as a striker for Deportivo since his move in July 2015

Wenger is likely to be attracted to Lucas' versatility, with the Spaniard having previously played as a left-winger for PAOK, but he has truly thrived as an out-and-out striker. 

It is where he was used by Deportivo and his goals played a big part in helping the club stave off relegation after a dismal second half of the season. 

While goals are his main target, he also has a good eye for a pass - notching up eight assists last season - and is known for cutting in from the wing if asked to play there. 

How will he fit in at Arsenal?

Image: Lucas can also play on the left wing, but is thought to be wanted by Arsenal as a striker

Arsenal fans have been crying out for a new striker, and Lucas fits the bill - although he isn't quite the big name the Gunners have been linked to in the current window. 

The Spaniard is likely to be used in the same way he was at Deportivo rather than on the wing, although it gives Wenger another option if Alexis Sanchez needs to be rested or picks up an injury. 

What do Arsenal need?

The transfer deadline is looming and Arsene Wenger is under pressure. What do the Gunners need?

He doesn't fit the target man status of Olivier Giroud and isn't the most aerially adept striker - a quality that teams could exploit - but he can hold up the ball well and is likely to prove a match for Premier League defenders on the floor.

With Giroud still getting back in shape after Euro 2016 and Danny Welbeck a long-term absentee, Lucas - who is already up and running this season - is set to spearhead of the Gunners' strike-force in the coming weeks. 

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