When Lucas Perez started for Arsenal in their vital FA Cup clash at non-league Sutton United last night, his future was being openly debated by fans both in the stands at Gander Green Lane and across social media.

Quotes attributed to the Spaniard’s agent, Rodrigo Fernandez Lovelle, had been swirling for hours in which he allegedly told CalcioMercatoWeb that his client “will leave” the Gunners this summer after a frustrating season in north London, but these had later been branded fake by the Independent’s Ed Malyon…

Who knows what the truth is. Perez’s agent could indeed have been misquoted, CMW’s claims could be wide of the mark or Lovelle man himself might be backtracking in a bid to keep the striker in Arsene Wenger’s plans for the remainder of 2016/17, and thus in the shop window.

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However, one thing we do know is that Perez stepped up against Sutton, helping his side to a win they really needed after a tough week. Granted, the Amber and Chocolates are not exactly the toughest of opposition, but the 28-year-old’s vital opening goal eased nerves and helped his side to a 2-0 win that will at least keep the #WengerOut brigade quiet for a few days.

As we mentioned, Perez netted the opening goal, which was one of three shots he took at goal, while he also completed three dribbles on Sutton’s much talked about 3G pitch. The former Deportivo La Coruna ace also made 69% of his 29 passes stick, one of which was a key pass, which is no mean feat given his advanced position and the deep nature of the home team’s backline.

Whatever the story with his agent’s quotes, Perez needed to step up vs. Sutton, and he did just that.

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