Apr 06, 2013 03:39 AM EDT
Arsenal Transfer News: Gunners Closing In on Deals for Dragovic and Adrian Lopez?

Arsenal are ready to ramp up their interest in FC Basel defender Aleksandar Dragovic, while the club are also in pole position to sign Adrian Lopez from Atletico Madrid in the summer.

Arsene Wenger is planning a major overhaul to his squad at the end of the season, with several names expected to both leave and sign for the club.

Arsenal chief scout Steve Rowley was reportedly at White Hart Lane, taking a look at Dragovic, who has been one of Wenger's long-term targets, according to the Metro.

The Gunners are looking to sign a central defender in the summer, with Sebastien Squillaci and Johan Djourou expected to leave at the end of the season.

Even though the Gunners have tightened up their defense in recent games, the back four has come for much criticism this season, and Wenger is keen to bring in a strong defender capable of manning the backline.

Dragovic is highly thought of around Europe, and has been linked with a move to the likes of Manchester City, Liverpool and Barcelona in the past.

Wenger is ready to offer around £6 million ($9 million) for the 22-year-old defender, and it remains to be seen whether that amount will be enough to prise him away from the Swiss club.

Meanwhile, Arsenal could be ready to reignite their interest in Atletico Madrid forward Lopez, who was a summer target last season.

Lopez has been far from first choice at the Vicente Calderon this year, and Diego Simeone is reportedly ready to listen to offers, with Atletico willing to let go of the Spanish international for as little as £8 million ($12 million).

The need for a player like Lopez can be questioned, with Arsenal already having plenty of players who can play across the frontline. What the Gunners desperately need is a goalscoring striker, and Lopez hardly fits that bill.

Making a move for someone like Alvaro Negredo or Roberto Soldado would make more sense, with a bid for David Villa, even with his age, also a better option.

Of course, Arsenal are reportedly close on signing Stevan Jovetic, and if indeed that move becomes a reality - the signing depends on whether Arsenal qualify for the Champions League next season - then it would give the team a huge boost for next season.

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