Arsenal Transfer News: Luiz Adriano Blow, Latest Faouzi Ghoulam Rumours

Shakhtar Donetsk striker Luiz Adriano is reportedly on his way to AC Milan, taking another forward off the transfer market as Arsenal continue to revamp their squad ahead of the upcoming season.

The Gunners were reportedly on the list of potential suitors for the Brazilian, who enjoyed tons of success during his time in Ukraine, but according to Italian paper Tuttosport (h/t Daily Express' Anthony Chapman), it now appears the Rossoneri have won the race for his signature.

According to Gianluca Di Marzio reporter David Amoyal, Milan are eyeing a January move, as that's when his current contract will run out and Adriano will become available as a free agent.

The player himself appears keen to move as soon as possible, as his agent told MilanNews (h/t Football Italia): "They have to make a deal with Shakhtar Donetsk. Are Milan planning to make an offer to sign him this summer? You’d have to ask (joint-CEO Adriano) Galliani. Luiz Adriano would like to play for Milan, as any player would."

The 28-year-old was one of the most productive strikers during last year's UEFA Champions League campaign, scoring nine goals in just seven matches, according to WhoScored.com. His composure in front of goal was incredible:

Adriano has spent the bulk of his career in Donetsk, a region of Ukraine that has been ravaged by the ongoing conflict with Russia to the point where the team even moved out of their home stadium. Plenty of players are expected to leave the club as a result, and Adriano is among them.

According to Chapman, it would cost a club £5.5 million to convince Shakhtar to sell during the summer, or he'll walk for free in January.

It's rare to see an established, experienced striker available for such a small fee―or none at all―so teams should be jumping at the opportunity to sign him. There are few risks involved with signing Adriano, and his Champions League numbers speak for themselves.

The Brazil international may struggle to adapt to playing in the tougher Premier League, and his scoring record may dip following the move. But that's a risk teams should take given the numbers involved with this deal.

Milan appear to be the front-runners for his services, but if the Italians are really going to wait until January to bring him to the club, the Gunners have plenty of time to change the player's mind.

Gunners Ready Bid for Faouzi Ghoulam

Ciro Fusco/Associated Press

Napoli full-back Faouzi Ghoulam is reportedly ready to leave the Partenopei after the departure of manager Rafa Benitez to Real Madrid, and according to Metro's Tom Olver, Arsenal are preparing a £9 million offer for the Algeria international.

The 24-year-old, who has impressed since moving to Italy last summer, reportedly has plenty of Premier League suitors, per Olver, but the Gunners are currently the favourites for his signature: "The Napoli left-back is also being closely monitored by Chelsea and Manchester City, but the Gunners are now favourites complete the signing. Arsene Wenger will launch a £9 million offer for the Algeria international defender this week, according to reports in Italy."

Napoli lost out on Champions League qualification for next season and saw their manager depart for the Spanish capital, leading to plenty of exit rumours. And while Ghoulam has yet to comment on these latest rumours, Napoli's financial situation without Champions League football means the club could be tempted to cash in.

Kieran Gibbs and Nacho Monreal were Weger's go-to left-back options in 2014-15, and while both looked more than serviceable, neither was able to match the production that come from Hector Bellerin on the right flank.

Gibbs has struggled with injuries, while Monreal has struggled with inconsistency throughout his career. Football writer Sam Crock still thinks those two can hold down the fort, however, and doesn't think the club needs another left-back:

Ghoulam is no ordinary full-back, however. He has the size to play in the heart of the defence and the raw athleticism to be a force on the wing, and unlike plenty of modern full-backs, he doesn't shy away from his defensive duties.

He was a star during the 2014 World Cup, where he more than held his own against both Belgium and Germany.

He does have a tendency to commit avoidable fouls, which saw him booked a total of 11 times during the 2014-15 season, as noted by WhoScored, but Ghoulam was one of the best full-backs in Europe last season, and there's no reason to believe that form wouldn't translate to the Premier League.

Gibbs and Monreal are excellent players, and if the former can stay healthy, he has the potential to become one of England's best full-backs. But there are fewer question marks surrounding Ghoulam, and if the £9 million fee is all it would take to bring him to the Emirates, Wenger shouldn't hesitate for one second.

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