According to reports in The Times, West Ham are said to be eyeing a summer move for out-of-favour Arsenal striker Lucas Perez.

What’s the word, then?

Well, Hammers boss Slaven Bilic is said to be looking for a new striker this summer after playing the majority of the first half of the campaign without one, and with continued doubts over the fitness of Andy Carroll.

That has led him to take a look at the Gunners attacker, who has struggled for first team minutes after moving to the Emirates from Spanish side Deportivo La Coruna last summer.

However, he might not come on the cheap as The Times also claims the north London outfit reportedly rejected a £26m offer from a Chinese Super League club during the January transfer window.

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Why hasn’t he been featuring?

Mainly down to the form of Alexis Sanchez and Olivier Giroud.

However, Perez has also rarely been given an opportunity in the starting line-up for the cup competitions – he was benched for the clash against Lincoln on Saturday.

Do West Ham need him?

In a word, yes.

Bilic’s men have struggled for goals this campaign – they have netted just 38 in 28 Premier League games – and despite playing out-of-position at right-back for much of the season, Michail Antonio is the Irons’ top marksman with nine goals.

Would he be an upgrade on Carroll?

Because of his lack of playing time, it’s hard to be definitive.

However, from the glimpses we have seen, it would appear that the 28-year-old is far less one dimensional than someone in the mould of Carroll.

He seems to have a footballing brain and is good on the ball, as well as showing that he can be a brilliant finisher too – think back to that goal in the amazing 3-3 draw against Bournemouth.