OPINION
West Ham are on the hunt for another striker before the transfer window closes on Thursday, and Manuel Pellegrini could be on the verge of a masterstroke signing if the latest report is to be believed.
As reported by the Evening Standard, the Hammers are currently looking into a cut-price swoop for Arsenal striker Lucas Perez, a deal which would cost the club £5million.
The newspaper claim that Arsenal have informed Perez he may leave the club, despite the striker being keen to remain at the Emirates and fight for his first-team place.
While Perez has had a hugely underwhelming two years in north London since his move from Deportivo La Coruna, this would be a shrewd move from Pellegrini, and one that could end up being an absolute coup for the Hammers.
In his two-year spell at Arsenal, Perez has played just 21 games in all competitions for the Gunners after finding himself down the pecking order under Arsene Wenger.
Despite his lack of playing time, the Spanish striker still managed to net seven goals for the club, meaning he possesses a one-in-three record in England.
For a back-up striker that is a good record, and who knows what Perez could go on to achieve should he be given a better platform to display his talents.
While he would no doubt begin his West Ham career on the bench, there is most certainly room for him to play his way into Pellegrini’s starting team.
His decent pace and lethal finishing ability give him the tools to trouble any defence, and he provides a different threat to the club’s current options up front.
With the Hammers’ coffers running low after a big summer of spending, this could be the perfect deal for them to wrap up the window and push on towards a top-eight finish in 2018/19.
