With reports suggesting that Arsenal are keen on securing the signature of Atletico Madrid striker Adrian, it is no shock to see fans excited over the possible arrival of the Spaniard. The 24-year-old has been impressive for Los Rojiblancos since signing from Deportivo La Coruna back in 2011 and it’s no surprise that clubs across the continents are showing an interest in the front-man.
Speculation has been continuously mounting that the Gunners would be prepared to part with around £14m to bring the player to the Emirates Stadium, with manager Arsene Wenger confirming that he won’t be moving for Thierry Henry only expected to heighten the rumours.
Yet, is Adrian really the striker Arsenal need to sign? Granted, he can play up top, but his best position is out wide in a front three, allowing the focal point of the attack – in Atletico’s case Falcao – to provide the attacking threat in the middle.
At present, Wenger has an abundance of talent to play a similar role in the form of Lukas Podolski, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and, despite his request to play the lead striker role, Theo Walcott. What the Gunners need is a player who can score the goals, not provide them.
Whether signing Adrian is a means of allowing Walcott to blossom in the middle, a promise that may well convince him to sign a new deal at the Emirates, remains to be seen, but if Wenger is keen on bringing in a striker to lead the front-line, the Spaniard certainly isn’t the player to do that.