Arsenal are reportedly set to secure the deadline day signing of Alvaro Morata, amid claims in Spain that Mikel Arteta’s No 2 has been on the phone to the Spain striker.
The Gunners have endured a pretty miserable transfer window so far, missing out on top target Dusan Vlahovic. His move to Juventus was explained by his agent in a simple four-word response. But getting their hands on a new striker has continued to elude them.
Indeed, the likes of Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Alexander Isak and Victor Osimhen are all potential options. Meanwhile, a report on Saturday claims an exciting £33m-rated Italy striker is also on their shopping list.
However, reports on Monday claim the Gunners could actually look to bring Morata back to the Premier League.
As per The Times, the former Chelsea striker is reportedly on offer to a number of clubs this month.
With Juve signing Vlahovic, Morata is surplus to requirements at the Bianconeri.
As such, Newcastle, Arsenal and Tottenham are all being reportedly looking at signing him from parent club Atletico Madrid.
It initially looked like Antonio Conte was looking to bring Morata to Tottenham.
Miguel Molina on blower to Morata
However, AS now claims it is the Gunners in the driving seat and that a deadline day move to Emirates Stadium is on.
They report that Arteta’s assistant, Miguel Molina, has personally phoned Morata to convince him to make the move.
In a phone coversation, they say Molina – who previously worked at Atletico and knows Morata from his time there – explained to him how he can fit in at Arsenal and relaunch his career.
Morata knows the Premier League from his time under Conte at Chelsea and was initially uncertain over returning to London.
However, they believe Molina has convinced Morata to make the move with an initial loan deal likely.
Alvaro Morata in, Nketiah, Aubameyang out
Morata’s arrival is all the more important for Arsenal with Eddie Nketiah and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang likely to seal moves away.
Indeed, Barcelona are reportedly ‘close to reaching an agreement’ regarding a six-month loan for Aubameyang. And further progress means the deal has ‘advanced significantly’ this weekend.
Nonetheless, wrinkles still remain in the deal that must first be ironed out, chief of which is Aubameyang’s colossal salary.
The 32-year-old pockets £350,000-per-week, and Barcelona may be unable to finance a deal. As such, what percentage of the wages Barcelona would cover is still being negotiated.
Nketiah, meanwhile, is the subject of strong interest on deadline day.
The likes of Newcastle, West Ham and Crystal Palace are all looking to pounce. And despite the offer of a new deal, Nketiah is likely to push for the move, with a move to St James’ Park seemingly most likely.
Nketiah’s exit will come as a blow to Arteta, who was seemingly hoping to talk him into staying.
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