Arsenal are ready to replace contract rebel Theo Walcott with Atletico Madrid’s Adrian Lopez according to the People.
The 24-year-old Spaniard netted 18 times last season and will be available for a reasonably cheap £15m given a buy-out clause in his current contract.
Similarly to Walcott, Lopez has been forced to spend most of the season on the substitute’s bench after stalling on signing a new deal with the La Liga side.
The Gunners have already watched Lopez after he impressed for Atletico during their run to the Europa League title and he received his first cap for Spain in May.
Atletico are extremely keen to sign Lopez up but it would involve increasing his buy-out clause which he is unwilling to do.
Walcott, who suffered a broken rib during England’s 5-0 victory over San Marino on Friday, is resolute that he wants to sign a new deal at Arsenal but talks have so far remained deadlocked.
The 23-year-old has been warned by the club that they are not prepared to break the bank to keep him in the long term. Walcott has spoken out about his frustration at not been played as a central striker which he believes to be his strongest position and that could result in him leaving in January.
Arsene Wenger has already made it clear to Walcott that he will not start in the team until he puts pen to paper on a deal at the club and Lopez could be a viable alternative if he decided not to sign.
