Liverpool Prepare to Outbid Arsenal For Alvaro Morata - Report

Liverpool remain interested in signing Arsenal target Alvaro Morata, according to the Spanish press.

The Spain Under-21 international has struggled for first team appearances at the Bernabeu this season having made just one starting appearance in the league. Despite Carlo Ancelotti's claims that no player will leave the club this winter, the 21-year-old remains strongly linked with a move to the Premier League.

Arsenal's long term interest in Morata has intensified following the news that Theo Walcott will miss the remainder of the season through injury, but the club could yet face competition from Liverpool, Marca report.

Brendan Rodgers held an interest in bringing to Spaniard to Anfield during the summer after he finished as top scorer in Spain's Under-21 European Championship triumph. Such interest died down after the striker announced his intention to remain in the Spanish capital, but his struggles for first team football have reportedly revived interest from Merseyside.

The Gunners are thought to be the front runners for Morata's signature, with their limited options up front likely to prompt Arsene Wenger into bringing another forward to the Emirates Stadium. Illness and injury to Olivier Giroud and Nicklas Bendtner respectively left the manager with Walcott as his only option up front in their 2-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur in the FA Cup third round, but the 24-year-old's long term absence added to his woes.

Despite underlining his intention to fight for a first team role during the summer, Morata may have to consider a move away in order to gain more first team opportunities. Karim Benzema remains Carlo Ancelotti's first choice striking option, while another of the club's youth products in Jese has been introduced off the bench instead of Morata in recent months.

Wenger is understood to prefer waiting until the summer to make significant additions to his squad, but may feel business during the January window is now necessary should the club wish to continue their march towards the Premier League crown.