After reports that Theo Walcott is set to sign a new contract at Arsenal at long last, it seems that Arsenal will now end their interest, at least for now, in Crystal Palace prospect Wilfried Zaha.

The Ivorian-born winger seemed a certainty to join Arsenal and has already agreed personal terms.

Unfair deal

This shows that Zaha was likely a replacement for Walcott, unless the interest is resurrected in the summer.

Despite Zaha agreeing personal terms with the club he supports, Palace want him to stay for their promotion push, and have demanded any signing of him be accompanied with a loan back until the end of the season, like Chelsea did with Kevin de Bruyne.

Arsenal are in talks to sign Atletico Madrid's versatile forward Adrian Lopez for a fee of around 11.5 million and there are further reports that Arsene Wenger wants the Spaniard in the team in time for Manchester City's visit in two week's time.

Second best?

Adrian is of course in the shadow of Radamel Falcao, one of the best strikers in the world at the moment.

This has led to Adrian playing on the wing or just behind him for Atletico, though this season he's been on the bench due to a contract dispute (sounds familiar).

His position last season didn't stop him scoring 19 times last season, including 11 in Atletico's successful Europa League campaign.

The Standard are reporting today that Theo Walcott is close to signing a new deal with Arsenal, a sentiment that TalkSport also hold.

Walcott dropped his wage demands to 90k a week, and Arsenal were perfectly willing to meet this price, especially after some of his recent performances at centre-forward, a move that has improved Walcott's willingness to extend.

Is it true?

This has been reported several times by other papers, such as the Mirror. The Standard are London-based and may have their ear closer to the ground on matters such as these.

With the record scorer for Arsenal currently training with his old club during the MLS off-season to keep his fitness up, it was assumed and seemed very likely that Thierry Henry would make like last season and re-join Arsenal for the third time, as cover for Gervinho, at the African Cup of Nations.

Indeed, several weeks ago Arsene Wenger and the press were making noises to suggest the deal was done and may even last until the end of the season. Such as Gooners assumed. There were mixed feelings. Some welcomed 'the King' back in any capacity, while others saw it as a short-term fix chosen in favour of an actual signing.

With the transfer window on the horizon, thoughts have been running through my mind as to who we can snap up, in order to bring even more quality to this Arsenal side.

There have been rumours suggesting The Londoners have submitted a formal offer of around £10 million despite his £14.6m release clause. Not only has Adrian been linked with us but so has Demba Ba.