Arsenal's Move for Morata to be Hijacked by Villarreal

Arsenal target Alvaro Morata is also on the radar of Villarreal as the player will leave the club this summer.

The 21-year-old striker has been linked with a move away from the Santiago Bernabeu having failed to feature in Carlo Ancelotti's first team plans – he is currently providing back-up to Karim Benzema.

The Gunners and Juventus have been credited with keen interest in Morata and it is thought that both clubs could soon open formal negotiations for the Spaniard after his manager confirmed the club will not stand in the way of his pursuit of greater first team opportunities – however, they will have to fight with Villarreal, who are also keen on signing the youngster and could lead the race for the starlet.

According to Daily AS, Villarreal - who will be playing in next season's Europa League - have requested from Real a year-long loan deal for Morata to strengthen their attack on a short-term basis.

An option that would favour both parties as the move will give the player a boost in his professional training. Morata could adapt to La Liga without going abroad and would become a key player in the The Yellow Submarine's attack, alongside with Giovani dos Santos – then he can become a future success at Real, who have high hopes for him to lead the line in years to come.

Real want the player to renew the contract that binds him to Madrid until 2015 as an indispensable condition for the loan – with Marcelino's side accepting not only the deal for just one season, but also not making any demands on any buy-back option.

If the agreement is reached, a player will have to make way at El Madrigal and it seems forward Jeremy Perbet and Jonathan Pereira would be the first options.

Arsenal are expected to bring at least one striker to the club over the coming months. But if they fail in their quest, Milan striker Mario Balotelli and Loic Remy of Queens Park Rangers are also names reportedly on Arsene Wenger's shortlist.