Arsenal continue to monitor Atletico Madrid striker Adrian Lopez, according to a report by Spanish newspaper AS. The 24 year old Spanish international was strongly linked with a £14.6m January transfer to the Emirates earlier this season, amid speculation manager Arsene Wenger was interested in the forward as a potential replacement for England international Theo Walcott.

Adrian Lopez
Liga BBVA

A Deportivo La Coruna academy product, Adrian had a stellar season in the 2011/12 campaign, scoring 10 goals in the club's UEFA Europa League trophy win. He scored eight more in domestic games, to finish with 18 strikes and four assists in 55 appearances in his first season with the club.

Unfortunately, since then Adrian has experienced a drastic dip in form, coinciding with Colombian forward Radamel Falcao's bursting into the spotlight. The former has only three goals in 20 appearances this season and has started only six games in the league. By contrast, the in-demand Falcao has 14 goals in 14 games this season and it is believed the Spanish club could be persuaded to part with Adrian, particularly since they do have financial difficulties at the moment.

AS also reports the likelihood of Adrian moving to Arsenal is boosted by the fact his agent is Jorge Mendes - who also represents Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho and the club's 2012 Ballon d'Or nominee Cristiano Ronaldo.

However, if the Gunners do indeed want Adrian, they will have to move fast, as talkSport reports the striker has been offered a new contract to stay at the Vicente Calderon. The report states the Spaniards are determined to re-sign the player, if only to ensure they can raise the minimum release fee. The forward has not commented on the new contract, so far.

Bundesliga Target

Meanwhile, another report on talkSport links both Arsenal and Premier League club West Ham United with a move for Mohammed Abdellaoue, a 27 year old striker presently with Bundesliga club Hannover 96.

Abdellaoue signed for the club in 2010 but after 54 league appearances in his first two years at the club, the Norwegian international has been limited to substitute appearances this term. Nevertheless, he has managed four goals in the league, despite making only two starts and featuring eight times off the bench.

"I know the rumours but no-one has contacted me. So far there have been no formal offers. What if something happens in January? Then we have to ask Hannover," the player's agent, Stig Lillejord, was quoted as saying.

Real Madrid