West Ham flop Lucas Perez is a man in demand heading further into the summer transfer window, as AS understand Deportivo Alaves manager Asier Garitano is considering a move for the Spanish flop.
Perez rarely set the world alight for Arsenal during his time in East London, but joined the Hammers a year ago as Manuel Pellegrini put the final touches on his first squad at the London Stadium.
The move has really not paid off for either the striker or the Irons, though, as the 30-year-old returned the club just three Premier League goals while taking home £80,000-a-week – just one more than defensive midfielder Declan Rice managed.
Alaves boss Garitano, however, could come to our rescue and make a move for the left-footed attacker, as it is being reported the 49-year-old wants to make at least ten signings following his arrival at Mendizorrotza Stadium as the successor to Abelardo Fernandez.
Garitano is in need of new strikers most of all, as his new La Liga side opted against turning forwards Jonathan Calleri or Borja Baston’s loan deals into permanent arrangements, as Club Deportivo Maldonado and Swansea City were demanding €12million (£11m) and €5million (£4.4m) respectively.
As such, it is being reported that Alaves have sounded out the possibilities of a deal for Perez, as well as Newcastle United’s Joselu, as Garitano is keen to sign someone capable of leading the line.
It is not claimed by AS how much the eleventh-placed La Liga finishers would be willing to offer for Perez, but even just taking his excessive wage off the books would be a wise move by Director of Football Mario Husillos, as it could instantly go toward a signing who could actually have an impact in East London.
The Sun, however, had reported Alaves’ interest in Perez earlier in the month, and suggested we would be willing to cut our ties with him for as little as £2million, half what we paid the Gunners in 2018.
