Manchester United and Liverpool target Juventus striker Alvaro Morata

Manchester United have joined Arsenal in the race to sign Juventus striker Alvaro Morata. The Gunners have long been linked with him, even while he was at his former club Real Madrid.

The 23-year-old joined the Old Lady from the Spanish capital club in 2014 and was instrumental in his first season in Italy as the Turin club completed the domestic double and reached the Champions League final, only to lose to treble winners Barcelona. In the semi-final clash of the European competition last term, Morata scored twice against Real over both legs, which saw him knock his former club out of the Champions League.

According to Italian publication Tuttosport, Morata has emerged as a target for United and Arsenal as both sides look to bolster their strike force. This season, the Spaniard started in only eight league games and fell down the pecking order, behind Mario Mandzukic and Paulo Dybala.

The situation at Juventus has seen Morata being linked with a move away from his current employers, with British clubs interested in securing his services. Louis van Gaal has the services of Wayne Rooney and Anthony Martial as the only two recognised strikers in the squad at Old Trafford and the Dutchman is short of options up front. A move for Morata could see him bolster the Red Devils' attacking division.

Juventus' director general Giuseppe Marotta has explained his side's stance on the recent reports linking the striker with a move away from the club. He admitted that the Serie A outfit are not willing to part ways with the player as he still remains an integral part at the club.

"There is no intention to negotiate with Real Madrid or any other team," Marotta told Premium Sport, as quoted by Gazzetta World. "We have never thought of selling Morata. He is a pillar of this Juventus team, he is a young man who has become increasingly important. We need to keep hold of these types of players."

Any move from United and Arsenal for Juventus striker will see them face competition from their league rivals. According to another Italian publication Gazzetta dello Sport via talkSPORT, Liverpool are also looking to land Morata.

Jurgen Klopp wants to bring the former Real striker to Anfield and is ready to spend £45m ($63.8m) in securing his services. United could look to upset Liverpool's transfer plan by beating them in signing the Serie A frontman.

However, it will be difficult for the Premier League trio to sign Morata. Juventus are planning to hold onto their player, despite Massimiliano Allegri preferring Mandzukic and Dybala as his strike pair.