Lucas Perez: 'I expected more playing time at Arsenal'

Arsenal striker Lucas Perez has said that he is trying to remain patient in his bid for a first-team role at the Emirates Stadium.

The Gunners paid Deportivo La Coruna over £17m for the forward in August but he has made a total of just four appearances for the Gunners.

However, Perez has acknowledged that his teammates are doing "a great job" after putting together a run of seven successive wins and said that he will try to take his opportunities in the side as and when they arrive.

The 28-year-old told Onda Cero: "When I first arrived here I expected to have more of a starring role.

"The teammates that are playing in my position are doing a great job. We have won seven games in a row and, at the end of the day, the coach wants what is best for the team.

"I had hoped to have more playing time, but what I have to do now is make the most of the opportunities I get."

Perez is expected to be on the bench when Arsenal host Middlesbrough on Saturday.