Atletico signs young striker Adrian Lopez

Atletico signs young striker Adrian Lopez

Published Jul. 19, 2011 6:28 p.m. ET

Atletico Madrid reinforced its attack on Tuesday with striker Adrian Lopez a day after the Spanish player won a legal dispute to break with his former club Deportivo La Coruna.

''I am happy to join a great club,'' Adrian said. ''My goal is to reach the top in all the competitions we participate in.''

Earlier this summer, Adrian won the Golden Boot award as he led Spain to the under-21 European Championship with a tournament-high five goals.

The 23-year-old will possibly have to replace Argentine standout Sergio Aguero, who has said he wants to leave the club.

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Deportivo, which was relegated last season, had tried to exercise an option to renew Lopez against his wishes, but a judge ruled in favor of the player.

Atletico will play in the Europa League after finishing in seventh place in La Liga last season.

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