West Ham United are reportedly close to agreeing a deal to bring Arsenal striker Lucas Perez to the club.

The forward is strongly linked with a move away from the Emirates this summer, after a fairly unsuccessful time at the club since signing two seasons ago for a fee of around £17m.

Perez was prolific for Deportivo La Coruna during the 15/16 season, netting an impressive 17 league goals for the Spanish outfit.

But upon his switch to England he began to struggle, scoring just once in eleven Premier League appearances before being loaned back to his former side.

He made 35 appearances for Deportivo, scoring 8 goals, but was unable to help prevent the club from relegation.

Now, the 29-year-old is set to leave Arsenal on a permanent basis, and the Hammers are among the front-runners to sign him.

Reputable La Gazzetta dello Sport reporter Nicolo Schira tweeted this week announcing the potential transfer, saying that a potential deal will be struck before Thursday’s deadline.

Lucas #Perez is getting closer to #WestHam from #Arsenal. On monday they will talk to finalize the deal. #transfers #WHUFC #AFC

— Nicolò Schira (@NicoSchira) 4 August 2018

Perez would serve as a fantastic signing for the Hammers, who only have strikers Javier Hernandez and Jordan Hugill in the first team as they head into the new season, with Andy Carroll set to miss the start of the season with an ankle injury.