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West Ham hope to close deal for Arsenal striker Lucas Perez on Monday

Manuel Pellegrini looks set to beat Lazio to the signing of the unsettled Gunners forward for his eighth arrival of the summer

West Ham are growing closer to signing unsettled Arsenal striker Lucas Perez – and he could be a Hammer on Monday, according to reports.

The 29-year-old Spaniard has struggled to find a game time at the Gunners, and was shipped by to Deportivo La Coruna for a loan spell last season.

Perez has been heavily linked with a move away from Arsenal, with West Ham now favourites to sign him

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Perez has been heavily linked with a move away from Arsenal, with West Ham now favourites to sign him

Perez has struggled since joining Arsenal, managing just one goal in 11 Premier League appearances during his first season

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Perez has struggled since joining Arsenal, managing just one goal in 11 Premier League appearances during his first season

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Now, West Ham want to ensure he leaves Arsenal permanently, despite competition from Italian side Lazio.

And La Gazzetta dello Sport reporter Nicolo Schira has announced that a deal will be finalised between the Premier League clubs on Monday to take Perez to the London Stadium, as reported by Sports Illustrated.

It would end a disappointing spell at the Emirates Stadium for the Spaniard, having only joined two years ago from Deportivo.

The Spaniard had scored 17 goals in La Liga in the season leading up to his £17million move, but struggled in England.

Perez was prolific for Deportivo La Coruna prior to his Arsenal move, netting 17 La Liga goals in the 2015/16 season

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Perez was prolific for Deportivo La Coruna prior to his Arsenal move, netting 17 La Liga goals in the 2015/16 season


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Just one goal in 11 Premier League appearances saw him fall down the pecking order at Arsenal, despite netting a hat-trick against Basel in Europe.

A loan spell at Deportivo saw a minor return to form, but Perez could not keep them in the Spanish top-flight.

He would become the second Gunner to join West Ham this summer, with Jack Wilshere becoming a Hammer after being released by Arsenal.

Chances will likely be more forthcoming under Manuel Pellegrini, with Javier Hernandez and Jordan Hugill the only senior strikers currently fit for the start of the season.

Andy Carroll is set to miss the first two months after aggravating an ankle injury during pre-season.


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Perez would become Pellegrini’s eighth signing this summer

Reuters
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Perez would become Pellegrini’s eighth signing this summer

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