West Ham’s busy summer has extended into deadline day with the signing of Lucas Perez. The striker looked destined to leave Arsenal after experiencing minimal game time in London. Perez signed for the Gunners for £17m in 2016. However, after failing to impress, Perez was sent out on loan to Deportivo La Coruna, where he provided nine goals and eight assists in 33 games. Arsenal’s recent acquisitions of both Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang meant that there was little space for Perez back at the club.
West Ham Complete Lucas Perez Signing
An Ambitious Window
Lucas Perez joins a high-profile list of signings brought in by West Ham this summer. Notable names include Andriy Yarmolenko, Felipe Anderson and Jack Wilshire. West Ham have put their faith in new manager Manuel Pellegrini by awarding him with an abundance of transfer funds. This comes after finishing a disappointing 13th last season.
Perez is West Ham’s eighth signing of the summer, with transfers now amounting to around £90m. West Ham were not necessarily expected to be the most active on deadline day. However, it would surprise no one to see another new face come in.
Perez to Bolster Attack
The signing of Lucas Perez comes as no surprise, with West Ham clearly in need of attacking reinforcements. The experienced Javier Hernandez scored only eight goals last season. Andy Carroll, whilst effective when playing, cannot be relied on either due to frequent injury concerns. Michail Antonio also only managed to grab three goals in sixteen games last season.
The acquisitions of Lucas Perez and young forward Xande Silva will provide further depth to West Ham’s attack. Perez can play up front on his own, as part of a two or even just off the striker. This diversity arguably makes Perez a steal at £4 million. Arnautovic, Anderson and Yarmolenko will all be likely starters. This leaves great competition for a limited amount of space up front. Manuel Pellegrini will hope this increased competition will get the best out of his players.
Difficult Start to the Season
West Ham have a very tricky start to the season. Their first seven games see trips to Arsenal, Liverpool and Everton, as well as home games against Chelsea and Man United. History has shown that a large number of new players can take time to gel. A player with Premier League experience in Lucas Perez will, therefore, come as a welcome bonus.
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