Arsenal Transfer News: Adrian to the Gunners in January? [Full Scouting Report]

Arsenal appear to be the frontrunners to add Atletico Madrid striker Adrian Lopez Alvarez.

According to the Daily Mail, the Gunners are set to bid £15 million on Adrian during the January transfer window.

Manager Arsene Wenger is in need of an extra forward, even though the loss of Robin van Persie has been somewhat mitigated by the play of Gervinho and the additions of Lukas Podolski and Olivier Giroud.

The two defeats suffered by the Gunners in recent days shows that they could still use some scoring punch, and Adrian could be the one that gives it to them. The 24-year-old excelled particularly in the Europa League last season where he scored an impressive 10 goals.

Adrian has come through the youth ranks with Spain before making his full-team debut in a friendly against Serbia in May and promptly opening his account off a header. The 5-foot-11 star won his second cap four days later against South Korea, but was left out of the squad that traveled to Euro 2012.

He has bounced around La Liga throughout the early stages of his career. Adrian played for Real Oviedo from 2005-2006, but spent the bulk of his career with Deportivo La Coruna, with a brief loan spell with second Segunda Division side Alaves in early 2008 before spending the 2008-2009 season with Malaga. Adrian joined Atletico Madrid on a free transfer in July 2011.

Adrian is considered a player that finds a way to create chances. He has a reputation for maintaining his poise under pressure, and is good in the air.

Adrian is skilled with both feet and is capable of playing all along the front line. Arsenal could use him on the wing, where he has shown himself to be comfortable, as he has fine touch, and the ability to create quality opportunities off counter attack chances.

While he has the instincts of a center forward, Adrian perhaps works best as a support striker.

Despite Atletico sitting level on points with Barcelona atop La Liga, Adrian has yet to fully get going this season, starting several matches on the bench. But he has been back in the side in recent weeks starting on the left side in support of prolific striker Radamel Falcao.

Atletico’s financial problems are well established, though if reports are to be believed and Falcao departs in either January or next summer for an estimated £45 million then those issues could be largely resolved.

The Europa League winners could have little choice but to lose Adrian, however, with the player having a €18 million (£14.5m) buyout clause in his contract.

It remains to be seen whether the notoriously frugal Gunners will be prepared to pay that figure, while rivals Tottenham are also reportedly interested in Adrian.

Arsenal have had their success with Spaniards. Cesc Fabregas developed into a star at the Emirates, and current midfielders Mikel Arteta and Santi Cazorla have also proven to be key performers for the club. They have provided Wenger with a pair of very reliable passers, who can also create both from open play and set pieces.

With an already Spanish influence and a playing style that should suit Adrian, he could well be the man to help boost Arsenal’s attacking threat.