Arsenal and Liverpool lead Luiz Adriano and Cech chase

Shakhtar Donetsk striker, Luiz Adriano, who hails for Brazil is being linked with a move to Premier League duo Arsenal and Liverpool.

The 27-year-old has scored six domestically this season in 16 appearances, however, he has notched a superb nine in seven Champions League matches.

Adriano, who is the club’s record goalscorer with 122, is aware of the situation with his contract, which is set to expire, and has refused to rule out a move to another club.

“My plan is to respect the contract, which has not been renewed and will expire in December 2015,” he said.

“I am in a good moment of my career and we’ll do what will be best for me and for the club. With my contract set to expire and many good performances, it’ll be difficult to stay in Ukraine.”

Arsenal, odds-on with Coral at 1/14 for a top four finish, are reportedly tracking the forward, as are Liverpool who may be tempted if they let the misfiring Mario Balotelli leave in the summer.

The Gunners, though, have Olivier Giroud, Danny Welbeck and Alexis Sanchez, however it is the versatility of the latter two, which could accommodate the Brazilian in the squad and give manager Arsene Wenger another attacking option.

It will be interesting to see how Brendan Rodgers could utilise Adriano, and the Northern Irishman is renowned for getting the best out of players. The striker, should he move to Merseyside, would join compatriot Philippe Coutinho, who has flourished for the Reds since joining, and it could be this that makes his mind up.

Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech is also wanted by both Arsenal and Liverpool, with the Blues giving him carte blanche on which destination he chooses, as long as his next employers pay the 32-year-old’s £10m asking price.

He would certainly be an upgrade for both clubs, with Wojciech Szczęsny and Simon Mignolet both prone to errors. For Arsenal, he could certainly improve their chances of winning the Premier League.