Trialist Sebastian Pérez has returned to Colombia after reports that he’s failed in an attempt to get a work permit. Non-EU players must have played in 75% or more of their country’s international games, something the young midfielder certainly has not done.

In a story that’s a touch confusing, the Sporting Director of Atlético Nacional, Víctor Marulanda, told winsports.co that they were aware of the requirement.

“We knew that and we waiting for an answer, but couldn’t get one and the player will continue to work with us. The possibility of going to Arsenal has been ruled out.”

Marulanda was asked about how Pérez was feeling about returning, and said, “I don’t want to talk about this on the telephone. We knew it was an important opportunity for him, but we maintain a good relationship with the club.

“The letter they sent us (a review of his performance) has excellent comments.”

He then continued to include Arsenal as a possible departure, saying, “There are two interested clubs. One of them is Arsenal for sure, but it’s simple – if there’s another cast-iron possibility, the player will go.”

The issue is confusing because:

a) We don’t know if Arsenal want to take him permanently

b) It’s unlikely that we’d apply for a work permit before making a decision to sign a player

and

c) We signed Joel Campbell and then applied for the permit, so surely the same would apply in this case.

It seems to us that using him in the Man City game was a sign we’d like to sign him, but given our priorities are a bit greater than a 20 year old it would be odd indeed if we spent a lot of time on this one.

Then again, we could just as easily send the entire transfer team to Medellin.

Show them our Dick.

That should solve it.