Lucas Perez on his way back to Deportivo?

Lucas Perez could be heading for a loan return to Deportivo La Coruna following frustrating debut season at Arsenal.

The 28-year-old forward joined the Gunners from the Spanish minnows last summer after they managed to beat Everton to his services by triggering his £17.5m release clause.

Perez has since largely been confined to the substitutes' bench with injuries along the way restricting his playing time altogether.

According to The Mail, Perez will push for a temporary exit from north London in the summer as he seeks to improve his chances of earning a call-up with the Spain national team.

The Spaniard had linked up with the FA Cup finalists with a view to making an impression with the national team boss, but he now finds himself far off from his dream of playing a World Cup in the La Roja colours.

Perez has played no part in the previous league outings against Leicester City and Tottenham Hotspur, and he looks set to miss out on the matchday squad for the Manchester United game after having picked up a knock in training.