Arsenal looks set to beat fellow Premier League side Everton to capture the signing of Deportivo La Coruna striker Lucas Perez.

The Toffees came close to signing the 27-year old having triggered his release clause, which is around £17-million.

The Gunners negotiations are at a much earlier stage, but the lure of Champions League football is likely to prove decisive, according to SkySports.

Perez scored 18 goals and assisted a further 11 from 39 appearances in all competitions last season for Branquiazuis.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has made no secret of his desire to add to his striking options this season, but his attempts to sign Lyon striker Alexandre Lacazette have failed.

Over the course of his career, Perez has featured in 177 appearances in all competitions and has scored 52 goals while assisting 38, playing for the likes of Rayo Vallecano, Karpaty Lviv, Dynamo Kyiv, AOK Thessaloniki, and Deportivo La Coruna.

Image: Lucas Perez official website