West Ham are closing in on a permanent deal for Arsenal striker Lucas Perez with the club currently in advanced talks, according to a club insider.
ExWHUemployee, who is a reliable source for exclusive insider Hammers news, reported on his Twitter account on Monday morning that a deal for Perez is nearing completion.
It is said that an initial loan was discussed before Arsenal decided only a permanent exit would be available for the Spaniard, and final terms are now being discussed by the two parties.
Ex claims that the deal is also dependent on whether the Hammers can seal a deal for free agent forward Bernard.
This transfer is obviously moved to a permanent deal for Perez having been told when we enquired that they would only a permanent move. He is someone MP has liked before and final terms are being discussed.
Does also depend on Bernard movement too https://t.co/asER588XHn— ExWHUEmployee (@ExWHUEmployee) August 6, 2018
Perez has a one-in-three record for Arsenal, scoring seven goals in 21 games for the Gunners.
OPINION
A deal for Perez was first mooted over the weekend and it looks like things are progressing quickly as the Hammers close in on an agreement. The Spanish striker has had a tough time of it at the Emirates Stadium since his move from Deportivo La Coruna two years ago, making just 21 appearances for the Gunners in that time. However, the 29-year-old did score seven goals in those matches, and a record of one in three is not bad considering his lack of regular minutes in England. West Ham have been on the hunt for another striker for several weeks now following Andy Carroll’s injury setback, and Perez looks like he could be a good option for the Irons. His pace and finishing ability will come in handy off the bench, and with a deal expected to be struck around the £4million mark, it is a move which should prove cost effective as well.
