A couple of years back the Inter Milan forward was one of the most-feared strikers in Europe, scoring a glut of goals in Serie A and the Champions League. He suffered a dip in form following the death of his father but is now getting back to his best.
The Blues were linked with the 25-year-old in the summer and now Shinawatra has confirmed he is a City target during the transfer window.
'Frank' told reporters in Hong Kong: "We're looking to see whether we'll do a swap deal or not.
"Adriano was a top player, but he lost form when his father died, and he put on weight. Now he's returning to form."
If City are contemplating a swap deal then that could mean Rolando Bianchi making a quick return to Italy.
Inter wouldn't possibly be interested in any of City's fringe players except for Bianchi, who was one of the top scorers in Serie A last season and has failed to settle in England since his £8.8m move from Reggina in the summer.
City are also looking for a long-term replacement for veteran midfielder Didi Hamann who can link up with Elano, the pick of Sven's summer recruits.
"We're looking for one striker, one midfielder, and maybe a winger," said Thaksin.
"Dietmar Hamman is getting old. We're looking at a new midfielder who we think will play very well with Elano. We're going to play in a classic style."
Frank also suggested Sven has the all-clear to buy whoever he needs during the transfer window, adding: "I never talk to Sven about amounts."