West Ham are inching closer to a deal for Arsenal striker Lucas Perez, with talks scheduled for Monday, according to a reliable journalist.
Nicolo Schira, a prominent journalist for La Gazzaetta Dello Sport, claimed that talks to finalise the deal take place as the 29-year-old striker edges towards a late move to play under manager Manuel Pellegrini.
This comes after Francesco Porzio, who works for Di Marzio, said that he was close to a move to West Ham.
Schira made the claim on his personal Twitter page on Sunday night.
Lucas #Perez is getting closer to #WestHam from #Arsenal. On monday they will talk to finalize the deal. #transfers #WHUFC #AFC
— Nicolò Schira (@NicoSchira) August 4, 2018
? Lucas Perez close to @WestHamUtd #WHUFC #AFC https://t.co/dshQfeno5C
— Francesco Porzio (@fraporzio95) August 4, 2018
Good move for West Ham?
Undoubtedly. Perez has had a miserable time at Arsenal since his £13million move from Deportivo La Coruna, with just 21 appearances. However, he managed seven goals in these games and that keeps pace with his one-in-three record for Deportivo, where he scored 33 in 96. There’s a feeling among Arsenal fans that he was never given a chance at the Emirates, but it was unlikely he would ever become a regular starter. The same will be said at West Ham, but Perez would be an incredible striker to have as back-up and would definitely add goals at important times. Pellegrini wants to play two up front so a back-up is essential and you’re not going to find much better than Perez.
This is Futbol rating: 8/10
Likely to happen?
A move to West Ham means that Perez could stay in London and that could swing things towards Manuel Pellegrini. Several prominent journalists have now said the deal is close and this is the strongest indication yet that the deal will go through. Talks to finalise the deal on Monday are set to take place and if they go well, Perez could be unveiled as yet another Pellegrini masterstroke on Tuesday.
This is Futbol rating: 8/10