Arsenal are closing in on a deal to sign Real Madrid’s exciting young striker Alvaro Morata – but only until the end of the season.
Morata is a 21 year old with huge potential. He has found his chances limited at the Bernabeu, scoring four goals in twenty-four appearances, but he has shone in is his appearances for the Spanish under 21 team – netting twelve goals in eleven outings for his country.
Carlo Ancelotti had earlier rebuffed interest from both Arsenal and Liverpool, insisting that the youngster was not for sale at any price, but Morata has been pushing for a move. He expected to be the main back up to Karim Benzema this year but has instead found himself languishing behind Jese Rodriguez (who scored in Los Blanco’s two-nil victory over Osasuna in the Copa del Rey last night) in the Madid pecking order.
Alvaro has explained to his manager that he doesn’t want to leave Madrid permanently but he does want to experience more first team football. “I’ve been a Real Madrid fan since I was a boy”, said Morata, “and I always be, but it’s important to have an important role. If the moment comes when I don’t then I will have to look at other options.”
Arsene Wenger has intensified his interest in the wake of injuries to Arsenal forwards Theo Walcott and Nicklas Bendtner and it appears that Ancelotti is now prepared to strike a deal. He will allow Morata to join the gunners on loan until the end of the season for a fee of around €2million – Madrid’s loss could be North London’s gain.
