Three reasons Lucas Perez could be a great addition for West Ham

Arsenal forward is up for sale

It’s been a very exciting summer for West Ham United fans so far. After bringing in a manager of real calibre in Manuel Pellegrini, they’ve shown genuine ambition in the transfer market.

They’ve smashed the club’s transfer record to bring in Felipe Anderson, as well as Andriy Yarmolenko, Jack Wilshere, Issa Diop and more.

But the Hammers aren’t done yet. They’re reportedly closing in on a deal to bring Arsenal forward Lucas Perez to East London.

The Coral News Team have looked at why the Spaniard could be a very smart addition…

Point to prove

Perez spent last season on loan back at Deportivo La Coruna and it doesn’t seem like the 29-year-old is part of new Arsenal boss Unai Emery’s plans.

But the Spaniard will feel, with some justification, that he deserved more of a chance at Arsenal. He tended to make an impact whenever he played from the start.

He’s only made 21 appearances for Arsenal in all competitions since his arrival two years ago. Just seven of those were starts, but he scored six goals and created three more in those games.

West Ham would be getting a player that’s determined to prove he can cut it in the Premier League.

Welcome versatility

Marko Arnautovic will start the season as West Ham’s first-choice striker, but Andy Carroll’s fitness problems mean they’ll need a reliable alternative.

Perez has the speed and movement to lead the line and he’s a decent finisher too. He’s also just as capable of playing wide on the left, where he can offer an additional goal threat.

Pellegrini is likely to introduce a more attacking style than Hammers fans have seen for a few years. Perez’s ability to play across the frontline would be very handy.

Potential bargain

Perez isn’t the only player West Ham have been linked with recently. But he could offer real value.

Porto’s Moussa Marega would cost around £36m. Perez could be available for as little as £5m because Arsenal want to get his wages off the books.

It’s a low-risk fee for a player that could make a valuable contribution over the next few years.

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