Arsenal
Arsenal Linked With £10m Move For Adrian
Arsenal are lining up a £10m move for Atletico Madrid forward Adrian Lopez, with the Spaniard identified as a potential replacement for captain Robin van Persie
Football Talk will be keeping you up-to-date with all the latest transfer news throughout the summer. Today, Arsenal are linked with a move for Adrian Lopez.
Arsenal are lining up a £10m move for Atletico Madrid forward Adrian Lopez, according to the Metro.
The report claims that Gunners boss Arsene Wenger has identified the 24-year-old, who is known simply as ‘Adrian’, as a potential replacement for skipper Robin van Persie. The Dutchman has only one year left on his current contract and has so far resisted the chance to extend his stay with Arsenal despite holding talks with Wenger and chief executive Ivan Gazidis at the end of the season.
The Metro suggest Manchester City are ready to offer £20m for the 28-year-old and the uncertainty over RVP’s future has lead to Wenger looking for potential replacements, with Adrian on his short-list.
The Frenchman has sent scouts to watch the Spaniard in action last season, with Adrian playing an important part in Madrid’s march towards the Europa League, scoring 11 goals in 18 games. Arsenal are prepared to offer £10m for the player, but Atletico are said to be holding out for the full £14.5m that will trigger a buy-out clause in his contract.
His form has also alerted Spain coach Vincente del Bosque, who handed Adrian his first cap in May, however he missed the cut for the defending champions Euro 2012 squad.
FT Verdict
A replacement for Van Persie? I’m not convinced about that. The Metro may be correct in saying that we’re interested in Adrian, but i doubt he’d be seen as the man to replace RVP.
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Arsenal have already signed Lukas Podolski – a German international with 100 caps, and are on the verge of signing Olivier Giroud, who is also a full French international striker, so if Arsene Wenger is that worried about Van Persie leaving, i’d say those two are seen as replacements before Adrian. If we were to sign him, i’d expect him to be back up for Podolski/Giroud.
But anyway, i still feel confident RVP will be at Arsenal next season, despite all the rumours suggesting otherwise. And i’d also bet good money that Adrian won’t be at the Emirates, so i wouldn’t be getting too excited about this piece of transfer news Gooners.
Would you like to see Adrian at Arsenal next season? Get involved in the comments section.
