Rio Ferdinand delivers verdict on new Arsenal signing Lucas Perez

Rio Ferdinand has praised Lucas Perez for his impact as he scored a hat-trick for Arsenal in Tuesday’s Champions League win at Basel.

The Spanish striker signed for Arsenal from Deportivo La Coruna in the summer but has struggled to hold down a regular spot in the team due to injury.

Perez proved his potential to the Arsenal side when he scored three times in the 4-1 victory at Basel on Tuesday night as the Gunners topped their Champions League group.

The forward will now be hoping to hold down a more regular spot in the first team as the hectic festive period in the Premier League looms large.

And former Manchester United defender Ferdinand was impressed by what he saw from Perez on Tuesday night.

Speaking to BT Sport after Tuesday’s Champions League clash, Ferdinand said: “I’ve been asking for the last few weeks – where is Perez? He turned up today, he got two striker’s goals. Tap-ins, but you’ve got to be there to put them in.

“He’s had injuries this season and had a lack of form, but he’s come in and done exactly what was asked of him.”

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Arsenal now turn their attentions back to Premier League affairs and their home clash against Stoke City on Saturday.