Arsenal Transfer News: Reus, Adriano And Manchester United Defender Involved In Latest Rumors

With winger Theo Walcott’s future in doubt, Arsenal is keeping possible replacements in mind. Borussia Dortmund winger Marco Reus could be a natural fit and the Gunners are interested in a transfer, the Daily Telegraph reported.

Manager Arsene Wenger could be looking to bring in the versatile 25-year-old attacker who could play any number of positions for Arsenal. His attacking would be a welcome addition to an already stellar group featuring Alexis Sanchez, Santi Cazorla and fellow German Mesut Ozil. Reus, 25, is considered a top young player and has scored seven times (along with five assists) in the Bundesliga this year. The German also scored in his latest appearance for the national team in a 2-2 draw with Australia on March 25.

Walcott and Arsenal are amid complex contract negotiations and Arsenal is keeping an eye on options for his replacement. Reus is a talented scorer and playmaker and will likely be a coveted signing. It could be an expensive addition, should Wenger decide to make a deal, with some rumors suggesting a transfer could cost as much as £50 million.

Another possible attacker signing for Arsenal is Brazilian national Luiz Adriano. The 27-year-old is reportedly on his way out of Ukrainian side Shakhtar Donetsk, saying “it’ll be difficult to stay in Ukraine,” Talk Sport reported. The forward is the club’s all-time goals leader and has scored an astonishing nine goals in seven 2015 UEFA Champions League matches.

Liverpool is also reportedly in the hunt for Adriano’s services. The striker would provide either club with a proven dangerous force around the box. Both sides would relish adding another attacker for next year’s campaign, especially with Adriano’s stellar Champions League resume. Arsenal is currently in position for a Champions League berth, at third place on the Barclays Premier League table. Liverpool is playing catch-up in the No. 5 position, five points behind fourth-place Manchester United.

In a move that would boost the back line, Arsenal is also considering a transfer for Manchester United defender Chris Smalling, the Mirror reported. Wenger could be interested in signing the versatile defender whose contract is set to be up at the end of next season. The Arsenal manager has reportedly long been an admirer of Smalling, even attempting to sign the 25-year-old away from Fulham in 2010.

Wenger is reportedly set to offer a fee of £12 million for the defender who has scored three goals in 18 Premier League matches this year. It might be difficult to land Smalling however, as the defender has enjoyed improved play under new manager Louis Van Gaal and Manchester United reportedly would prefer to keep him at Old Trafford.