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.

He can play anywhere across the front three, and his biggest attribute is his movement and technique, likened to that of David Villa, another Arsenal target. He has the advantage of youth, though his finishing is questionable. That can be worked on, however, as Walcott has proved recently.

Adrian isn't second best, and he has the potential to become a world-class player in the next couple of years, though this isn't a guarantee. It all depends how he settles in, though Arsenal are the best place to nurture his ability.

That's not to call him a 'project', he's a good enough player already. I've seen him be written off recently, but the comments were from an Atletico fan, and reminded me of views held about Walcott when he seemed to be off.

The deal is close, and only time will tell how it works out. Let's hope Adrian really does become the "next David Villa", as he's been labelled since he appeared for Spain U-19s.

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