According to The Sun, West Ham are closing in on Arsenal attacker of Lucas Perez. The Arsenal star is unsettled at his current club and the Hammers hope they can sign him in the coming days. He is set to become the second Arsenal player to join West Ham after Jack Wilshere left earlier this summer.
However, it’s still unclear how much he will cost even though West Ham are keen on seeking a permanent move for the Spaniard as they attempt to bolster their attacking department.
Player profile and stats
Lucas Perez initially moved from Deportivo to Arsenal back in 2016, on the back of an excellent season that saw him score 17 goals in La Liga. But, since arriving in England, the Spaniard has failed to make an impact.
He scored only one goal in eleven outings during his debut campaign with the club and was shipped back to his former club Deportivo last summer in a season-long loan deal. Although he returned to form on re-joining Deportivo, it wasn’t enough to keep them afloat in the Spanish top flight.
West Ham, it seems, have taken a note of his performances last season as he scored eight goals and mustered six assists in 35 matches. Aside from his goal-scoring tally, the 29-year-old averaged an impressive 2.3 key passes per game which is excellent for a centre-forward.
What he lacks in physicality, he makes up with his vision and creativity in the final third – traits that are necessary for a modern-day centre-forward.
Why do West Ham need Lucas Perez?
West Ham’s lack of potency in the final third has been well documented. It has been their lack of depth in the goalscoring department which has left Manuel Pellegrini frustrated.
In fact, the duo of Javier Hernandez and Jordan Hugill are the Chilean’s only reliable options in attack with Andy Carroll sidelined with a long-term injury.
Considering the fact that both Chicharito and Hugill haven’t really impressed the Hammers hierarchy since joining the club, it’s imperative that they secure the signing of a quality striker this summer and Lucas Perez is indeed a perfect candidate.
Although the 29-year-old might not be a direct replacement for Carroll due to the stark differences in their respective styles, Perez’s creativity and ball-carrying qualities in the attacking third could actually provide an extra dimension to West Ham’s gameplay, making him an ideal choice for the Londoners.
Stat courtesy: Whoscored