Arsenal suffer blow in signing Atletico Madrid star Adrian Lopez as Southampton are now considering a move to sign the Spanish international by the end of the season, according to the Express.

Adrian Lopez
Reuters

The north London club has long been linked with a move to bring the forward to the Emirates. The 25-year-old has failed to feature regularly for the Spanish side this season. The forward has now fallen down Diego Simeone's pecking order with Atletico's manager fielding Diego Costa and Colombian hotshot Radamel Falcao in the attacking division.

Lopez has featured 23 times in La Liga this season, out of which 13 of them have come from the bench. The report suggests the Saints manager Mauricio Pochettino has long been an admirer of the striker.

Southampton are now preparing a £8m bid to bring the ex-Deportivo player to St Mary's in the summer. Despite the recent rumours, Lopez earlier revealed that he tries to isolate himself from with the reports linking him with a move away from Vicente Calderon . In addition to this, the forward had expressed his desire to continue with the Spanish outfit.

"I try to isolate myself from the rumours. We are used to them and do not take them seriously. I am very happy at Atletico. I am happy here and it is my intention to continue here. The good thing at the moment is that the team is doing very well. I would like to stay for a while yet," the Spaniard told Sky Sports.

Should Southampton seal a deal for Lopez in the summer, Arsene Wenger could then target to sign Fiorentina striker Stevan Jovetic as the Montenegrin was delighted to be linked with a move to the Emirates.

Cazrola Hails Arsenal's January Signing

Santi Cazorla
Reuters

Meanwhile, Santi Cazorla has hailed Nacho Monreal for his immediate impact, after completing a move to the Emiartes in January. The Gunners midfielder believes his compatriot has now adopted to the Premier League and claimed the defender to be a vital player.

"He's a very good signing, and he's proving it. Nacho is a footballer I really enjoy watching and playing with. I spent last season with him at Malaga and he was a vital player for the team. He's adapted to the Premier League very well," Cazrola told the club website.