Alvaro Morata to Arsenal: Gunners ahead of Chelsea in their pursuit of signing Real Madrid striker

Arsenal have taken the lead ahead of Chelsea in their pursuit of signing Real Madrid striker Alvaro Morata this summer. He returned to the Spanish capital club from Juventus after the Spanish capital club triggered his buyback clause, which they had inserted when they sold him to the Italian champions in 2014.

Arsene Wenger and the Blues new manager Antonio Conte are in the market for a striker. Both clubs have set their sights on the former Serie A striker as they look to bolster their attack for the 2016/17 season.

According to the Mirror, the north London club have managed to overtake their city rivals in their ongoing chase for Morata's signature. The Gunners finished second last term, while the Stamford Bridge outfit finished in the 10<sup>th spot.

Chelsea are out of the European competition next season and lack of Champions League football could hurt them in signing Morata. The Real star is keen on playing in Europe's elite club competition and that is something he can achieve at the Emirates.

The west London club fear they are losing ground in their chase for the attacker. Chelsea believe Wenger's side can beat them in landing Morata, who is valued to be around £65m ($84.2m) in the current summer transfer window.

Morata was a part of the Spain squad at the Euro 2016 and they lost 2-0 to Italy in Round of 16. He was leading his national side's attack and scored three goals in the European championship. Earlier the striker admitted that he wants to join a club, where they will make him feel important.

"I want a team that makes me feel important and I would be ready to stay in Madrid to win my place," Morata told Spanish TV station Cuatro, as quoted by the Evening Standard.

"I do not have to prove anything to anyone. I am a player of Real Madrid and they will decide if they want me, otherwise we will find another solution."