Tuesday 30 August 2016 15:15, UK
All you need to know about Lucas Perez, the Deportivo striker Arsenal look set to sign ahead of Everton...
Arsene Wenger has come under increasing scrutiny from fans and press alike over his transfer policy this summer, but could be about to land £17m-rated forward Lucas Perez from Deportivo La Coruna.
Everton were close to landing Lucas - triggering his release clause - but the lure of Champions League football at the Emirates could be the deciding factor.
So just who is he, what is his playing style and would he fit at Arsenal?
Age: 27
Position: Forward
Club: Deportivo La Coruna
Nationality: Spanish
A late bloomer in footballing terms, Lucas - as he is simply known - was born in the town of A Coruna, the home of his current club Deportivo, although he took a roundabout trip to get there.
He played in the Spanish lower leagues before being scouted for Atletico Madrid's C team in 2007 and played for them in the Tercera Division for two seasons before moving to Rayo Vallecano's B squad.
The striker made a few appearances for the Rayo first team in the Segunda division, playing five times and scoring one goal as the side were promoted to La Liga at the end of the 2010/11 season.
It was then that Lucas made a move abroad, signing for Ukrainian side Karpaty Lviv as a free agent in January 2011 and also had a short loan spell at Dynamo Kiev. However, he failed to make an appearance and he later described it as 'the worst four months of my life'.
In the summer of 2013, the Spaniard signed a three-year deal worth 700,000 Euros (around £599,270) with Greek club PAOK although only featured prominently for one season before going on loan to Deportivo for the 2014/15 campaign.
After a few weeks back in Greece, the striker signed a permanent four-year deal with the La Liga club in August 2015 and came into his own last season.
He netted 17 goals in 36 appearances for Depor as they secured their place in the Spanish top flight for another season with a 15th-place finish. Lucas' total was more than Kevin Gameiro and Fernando Torres.
It may only be one game into the new La Liga season, but Lucas has picked up where he left off, scoring the winning penalty as Deportivo beat Eibar 2-1 on Friday evening, having grabbed an assist for his side's equaliser.
Arsene Wenger is likely to be attracted to Lucas' versatility, with the Spaniard having previously played as a left-winger for PAOK, but he has truly thrived as an out-and-out striker.
It is where he is used by Deportivo and his goals played a big part in helping the club stave off relegation after a dismal second half of the season.
While goals are his main target, he also has a good eye for a pass - notching up eight assists last season - and is known for cutting in from the wing if asked to play there.
Arsenal fans are crying out for a new striker, and Lucas would fit the bill - although he isn't quite the big name the Gunners have been linked to in the current window.
The Spaniard is likely to be used in the same way he is at Deportivo rather than on the wing, although it would give Wenger another option if Alexis Sanchez needs to be rested or picks up an injury.
He doesn't fit the target man status of Olivier Giroud and isn't the most aerially adept striker - a quality that teams could exploit - but he can hold up the ball well and would prove a match for Premier League defenders on the floor.
With Giroud still getting back in shape after Euro 2016 and Danny Welbeck a long-term absentee, Lucas - who is already up and running this season - could spearhead of the Gunners' strike-force in the near future.
