According to reports in Spain, Lucas Perez’s West Ham exit is all but confirmed. Perez is on the verge of completing his move to Deportivo Alaves, according to Noticias de Navarra.
This deal is set to cost Alaves marginally over €2m (around £1.8m). Perez’s move from West Ham to Alaves should be confirmed with an official announcement shortly.
Lucas Perez at West Ham
Perez joined West Ham from Arsenal last summer for a cut-price fee. But since his move from North to East London, he has only been a bit-part squad player.
The 30-year-old scored six goals in all competitions for the Hammers. However, Manuel Pellegrini preferred using alternative options. The likes of Marko Arnautovic, Javier Hernandez and Andy Carroll have all been used ahead of Perez.
Due to a lack of first-team opportunities, Perez is seeking a summer exit. The Spaniard now looks set to return to his native country, where Alaves have reportedly beaten Real Betis to his signature.
Alaves finished 11th in La Liga last season and are looking to build on this. Ironically, Perez would be a direct replacement for another West Ham flop. Jonathan Calleri led the line for Alaves last season but his loan spell expired.
Perez will now replace Calleri as Alaves’ striker. West Ham have made a loss on the left-footed striker but they will trim their wage bill by axing him.
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