Arsenal transfer news: Arsene Wenger admits Lucas Perez is a 'gamble', but backs striker to 'surprise' Gunners fans

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Standard Sport30 August 2016

Arsene Wenger believes Lucas Perez has all the qualities to succeed in the Premier League, despite admitting that Arsenal's £17million summer signing is a 'gamble'.

Arsenal signed the 27-year-old from Deportivo La Coruna a little over a day before the summer transfer window shuts, having originally turned down the chance to sign the striker earlier in the window to pursue the likes of Jamie Vardy, Gonzalo Higuain and Alexandre Lacazette.

Wenger was forced to defend himself from accusations that his £52million double swoop for Lucas and Valencia defender Shkodran Mustafi, who is set to be announced as an Arsenal player in the next 24 hours, constituted 'panic buying' after the Gunners had missed out on several primary targets.

Despite initially passing up the chance to sign Lucas, Wenger is now confident that the forward can be a key player for the Gunners this season.

"I’m happy because I believe he has the qualities to integrate into our team very well," Wenger told Arsenal's official website. "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.

"I think people will be a little bit surprised maybe, because nobody knows him very well. He has travelled a bit across Europe.

"He’s a late developer in this position because he has always played on the flanks. He’s got a good eye for goal and had an outstanding season last year in a team that didn’t create too many chances.

"I’m confident. He has pace, good technical levels, is a good finisher and he has the ingredients to be a success.

"It’s always a little bit of a gamble to come from one country to another, with different challenges, but I believe it was a gamble worth taking. I’m excited about that."

Lucas said of his move to Arsenal: "I was really happy and flattered when I heard about Arsenal’s interest. I was very hopeful to get the chance to come here.

"There was some contact when the transfer window opened. As always in football, clubs have to evaluate what they need, but they showed interest when they got in contact.

"Things happened more quickly towards the end of the window so it could be made official."

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