Arsenal striker options reduced as Alvaro Morata rejects Emirates switch, plus another Prem move

Arsenal’s striker options have reportedly fallen by one, as Alvaro Morata has supposedly rejected the Gunners and another Premier League team.

Morata has played for plenty of big clubs during his career, including Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid, Chelsea and Juventus. He has lifted a host of trophies, including league titles in Spain and Italy. The striker has also won the Champions League twice with Real and the Europa League once with Chelsea.

Morata’s only spell in England so far came with Chelsea, as the Blues paid Real a then club-record £60million for him.

The Spain international hit 24 goals in 72 matches while in West London but never truly lived up to his price tag.

As such, Morata was allowed to join Atletico on loan in January 2019 before the transfer was made permanent 18 months later.

He has spent the last two seasons on loan at Juventus. 32 goals and 21 assists have come his way during 92 appearances over those two campaigns.

Juve have an option to take him to Serie A on a permanent basis this summer. They are currently deciding whether to do this as he won’t come cheap.

Arsenal are reportedly keeping tabs on the situation. They could move for the Madrid-born player to solve their striker search.

Arsenal send transfer proposal to Alvaro Morata

And according to Goal, who cite Italian outlet Gazzetta dello Sport, the Gunners have made an approach to Morata.

However, Mikel Arteta’s side will have to focus on alternative goalscorers as the 29-year-old has apparently rejected their proposal.

Arsenal aren’t the only Premier League side to have made contact with Morata and his agent. Goal claim Newcastle have also offered the attacker a route out of Atletico.

But like Arsenal, Newcastle have been pushed back. It’s thought Morata is prioritising a permanent switch to recent loan club Juve.

The player’s decision isn’t too surprising. He has been at Juve for the last two years and is seemingly comfortable there.

Morata has been involved in plenty of transfers during his senior career. So he will be looking to settle down now, potentially in Turin.

Plus, the star doesn’t exactly have great memories of being in England. He came in for plenty of criticism while underperforming for Chelsea.

Arsenal and Newcastle both have other players in their sights, too. Arsenal are hoping to bring in Gabriel Jesus from Manchester City.

The Magpies, meanwhile, want to finalise a deal for Stade Reims’ Hugo Ekitike.

Elsewhere, Lucas Torreira could end up staying in Italy, despite his permanent move from Arsenal to Fiorentina falling through.