Lucas Perez is a poor man’s Sergio Aguero but he will prove a shrewd signing for West Ham

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Arsenal flop Lucas Perez is reportedly on the verge of a move to big spending West Ham United.

Sky Sports claim the Hammers are trying to sign striker Perez, who can also play out wide, as he is a cheaper alternative to other targets.

The links to Perez have stirred debate among West Ham fans with many feeling it would represent great business and others feeling he will struggle to get anywhere near the Hammers starting XI.

The Mirror claims West Ham could get Perez for just £4 million, over £13 million less than Arsenal paid Deportivo La Coruna for the player two years ago.

Signing an Arsenal back-up striker as back-up for their own glut of attacking talent is undoubtedly progress for West Ham.

But the concerns creep in when you delve into Perez’s record in North London.

Yes it makes grim reading, most strikingly the stat which reads just one goal from 11 Premier League matches.

West Ham fans in favour of the move will point to the fact Perez found first-team opportunities limited following his move to the Emirates.

Others will say there is a reason for that.

But speak to Arsenal season ticket holders and they will tell you Perez has quality and deserved an extended run to try and find his feet in the Premier League.

The demise of Arsene Wenger saw the Gunners under huge pressure over the last two seasons and Perez is one of many players to have paid the price.

Something of a footballing Nomad, Perez’s career has taken him from Spain to Ukraine, to Greece, back to Spain, to Arsenal, back to Spain and now seemingly across London.

The 29 year old is no world beater and he probably won’t set the London Stadium alight.

But at the reported £4 million, a player who is often described as a ‘poor man’s Sergio Aguero’ is more than good enough to be back-up for this new-look West Ham.

And it shows the club has finally learned they cannot rely on Andy Carroll rediscovering fitness and form when he returns from his latest injury.

West Ham have done some excellent and eye-catching business this summer – breaking their club record to sign £40 million Felipe Anderson the highlight.

But it could be that the shrewd capture of Perez – which would take the club’s spending over £100 million – is the most significant in providing proof West Ham are finally putting together a serious squad.