West Ham have confirmed they have made an approach to Internazionale for Adriano, after Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger revealed the Gunners had turned down the opportunity to sign the Brazilian.

West Ham chief executive Scott Duxbury is believed to have flown out to Milan this morning to begin negotiations.

The striker has fallen out of favour at the San Siro and was linked earlier in the week with both Middlesbrough and Manchester City. However, he has insisted that he will not consider a loan deal in order to regain fitness.

"I don't want go on loan again," Adriano told Gazzetta dello Sport. "I already went once to Parma when it was right for my career. Now if I must really leave, I'll go and that's it.

A West Ham' statement said: "West Ham can confirm we are holding talks with Inter Milan over striker Adriano,"

"The figures that have been quoted in the media are inaccurate as the possible deal is in its early stages and money has not yet been discussed.

"The club are investigating the possibility of a loan deal at this stage."

Wenger revealed he rejected an offer to take the striker on loan because he is convinced his existing strikers are ready to flourish.

The 25-year-old, who has scored 25 goals in 37 appearances for Brazil, has suffered a loss of form amid a succession of injuries and complaints over his commitment.

Part of Wenger's refusal to do business with Inter was because the Italian giants demanded an unnamed Arsenal player on loan in return and the Frenchman was not interested in an exchange deal.

But Wenger said also said the strength of his current strike force persuaded him he did not need another forward.

"I was offered Adriano on loan and I said no," he said.  "We do not need him and it was an easy decision to make because we're not out there to sign another striker.

"The agreement was for a loan. Adriano has qualities we don't need. They wanted to give us a player but wanted one back in return.

"I won't say who it was. I didn't want to lose the player they requested. I didn't necessarily think Adriano would upset the balance of the squad.

"I have bought Eduardo Da Silva. I already had Emmanuel Adebayor and Robin van Persie and I brought Nicklas Bendtner back.

"I still have Theo Walcott and Abou Diaby can play through the middle. Why should I bring more forwards in?

"I have big faith in my squad and they've proved me right so far this season."