Deportivo La Coruna forward Perez: My time at Arsenal left me feeling betrayed

However, by the summer of 2017, he was feeling increasingly frustrated with the limited playing opportunities at the club and their refusal to let him transfer to another team.

In a candid interview with La Voz De Galicia at the time, Deportivo La Coruna striker Perez said: "I feel cheated. In February I was not allowed to leave for a move to China with the promise that I would play more and after that I had even fewer opportunities. But the shirt number is an ugly gesture.

"On our pre-season trip, Lacazette asked the boss and he accepted. I was only told afterwards. Last year (Wenger) told me that he understood why I was upset. I think this season things will get worse, so help me out."

"Since I have been a professional footballer, I've felt happiest in Deportivo, surrounded by my family and my friends," he added. 

"Put yourself in my place.

"I know I have chances to play for the national team and at the World Cup. But for that I have to play and I have to be happy. That's why I want to go back to Coruna. Arsenal are not behaving well with me.

"To take the shirt number without telling me and to give it to a companion - it seems to me that it is the last straw. I can't continue this way. I have given everything, but that has not been reciprocated, so I can't stand it any longer. I want to leave and be happy."