Society Gists

Deportivo striker Lucas Perez is ‘certain’ to sign for Arsenal in a £17million deal after the Gunners hijacked Everton’s move for the 27-year-old, according to reports in Spain

Arsene Wenger’s failed in bids to sign Jamie Vardy and Alexandre Lacazette this summer but remains keen to add to his strikeforce.

The Frenchman has come under huge pressure from Arsenal fans in the last fortnight to spend after the club’s disappointing start to the season.

Perez is yet to earn a cap for Spain but Everton were working on a deal to bring the forward to Goodison Park after former Leicester City scout Steve Walsh recommended the striker to Ronald Koeman.

However, according to El Confidencial in Spain, Arsenal have made a late swoop and are ready to meet the striker’s £17m release clause.

Perez had his finest season to date last term in La Liga, scoring 17 goals in 36 appearances.

The forward was thought to be mulling over a move to Merseyside but Arsenal’s ability to offer Champions League football appears to have swung the deal in the Gunners’ favour.

Though the signing is unlikely to appease those calling for a glamour arrival, any deal for Perez is likely to relieve the burden on Olivier Giroud’s shoulders.