Real Madrid Eye Arsenal Target Antoine Griezmann To Replace Alvaro Morata

Alvaro Morata's representatives have met with Real Madrid to discuss the young striker's exit route out of the club after the striker's failure to impose himself on Carlo Ancelotti's first team plans.

The 21-year-old was close to joining Arsenal on loan during the January transfer window only for Ancelotti to block the deal as he did not have a replacement lined up for the second-half of the season. But the situation has since changed after the Real boss recently confirmed Morata is likely to leave the club this summer.

"The player wants to look for an opportunity to get more minutes so the club agrees with this. If Morata leaves then we have to think about acquiring someone with the same characteristics, a young and talented striker. If he is looking for the opportunity to play it would be good for him to have opportunities for a year," Ancelotti said.

According to Daily AS, Morata's agent Juanma Lopez went to the Bernabeu's offices to talk about the youngster's future. He went along with partner Beppe Bozzo, whose presence is significant as he collaborates with Giuseppe Marotta, Juventus'general director – another club who are keen on the young Spaniard's signature.

Morata's agent is keen to finalise an agreement that will allow Morata to leave the club for €20m without buy-back clause – something that Real are not willing to accept.

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

However, Real will not authorise his departure - on loan or on a permanent basis - until they have signed another forward option. Marca claim that Antoine Griezmann and Juan Iturbe are the main candidates to fill the void expected to be left by Morata.

Real are also monitoring the situations of a number of young emerging talents across the continent including Sassuolo's Domenico Berardi, Olympique Lyon's Alexandre Lacazette, Roma's Mattia Destro, Lille's Divock Origi and Hamburg's Pierre-Michel Lasogga.