Arsenal Transfer News: Lucas Perez Negotiations Amid Latest Everton Rumours

Arsenal are reportedly in "advanced negotiations" with Deportivo La Coruna striker Lucas Perez as they bid to "hijack" Everton's £17 million move.

According to the Mirror's John Cross, the Spaniard was set to move to Goodison Park, with the Toffees having "agreed a deal and even personal terms" with him, but the Gunners made their move on Wednesday night and are trying to agree a deal of their own.

As such, his transfer to Everton has been "put on hold" for the time being. Cross and the Daily Telegraph's Matt Law added further details on Twitter:

Per Spanish news agency EFE (h/t Sport), Perez has also been among Barcelona's forward targets this summer.

The 27-year-old enjoyed a fine campaign last year, racking up 19 goals and 11 assists in all competitions. Indeed, despite Deportivo limping to a disappointing 15th place in La Liga, he stood out with a number of excellent performances and match-winning contributions.

Here are some of his best moments:

Courtesy of Squawka, here are some of his league stats from last year compared with Arsenal's current forward options:

	Perez	Giroud	Walcott
Apps	36	38	28
Minutes	3,138	2,530	1,382
Goals	17	16	5
Assists	8	6	2
Chances Created	72	36	17
Aerial Duels	4	100	5
Take-Ons	38	11	25
Pass Completion	79%	68%	80%

He has started this season as he finished the last, bagging a goal and an assist in Deportivo's league opener against Eibar on Friday.

With Danny Welbeck injured, Arsenal have few options beyond Olivier Giroud and Theo Walcott at centre-forward, and the pair have already proved incapable of firing Arsenal to the title.

While he may not be a marquee signing or even be able to provide a significant upgrade on Giroud in terms of goal output, his addition would make the squad look healthier up front.

He's much quicker and more mobile than Giroud, and his passing in the final third is incisive and creative—he could be a shrewd acquisition for the Gunners.