According to Corriere dello Sport, Atlético Madrid have received a €30m (£25m) offer from Arsenal for Alvaro Morata, and he’s keen to join the Gunners.
What’s the story?
Well, this would be a surprising move for Arsenal.
Corriere dello Sport believe Morata has no intention of returning to Atlético Madrid when his season-long loan at Juventus comes to an end.
To keep him, Juventus must pay €35m (£29m), which the Italian news outlet claim might be too much for the Serie A giants.
Morata himself is also said to have requested a discount on behalf of Juventus, as he is keen to leave the Spanish champions.
While Arsenal’s offer is slightly short of that £29m asking price, the fact the Spain international is keen on the move could get the wheels in motion.
So far this season, Morata has scored 11 goals in 41 appearances, while also providing seven assists.
Arsenal must avoid Alvaro Morata
In our view, Arsenal would be foolish to sign Morata.
The 29-year-old has previously failed in England with Chelsea, where he scored just 16 goals in 47 Premier League appearances.
He is a very hit-and-miss player, who struggles for consistency, and Arsenal should also be targeting someone a bit younger, in our view.
With Alexander Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah nearing free agency, the centre-forward department at the Emirates Stadium will be empty, with the exception of Folarin Balogun.
Therefore, the Gunners are right to target a striker, but a move for Morata would be the wrong option, in our view.
Keep an eye on this saga, as the Spaniard could well end up at Arsenal if Juventus cannot meet Atlético Madrid’s asking price.
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