Tottenham Set to Hijack Arsenal's Bid for Alvaro Morata

Tottenham are preparing a shock bid for Arsenal target Alvaro Morata in the summer, according to the Daily Express.

The Spurs are looking to rebuild their team in the summer and have earmarked Morata as a possible target for a swoop, with the striker unlikely to extend his stay at the Spanish club.

Arsenal were favourites for his signature with Arsene Wenger making a bid for the player last January but Madrid refused to sell after failing to land a proper replacement in time.

Inter Milan and Juventus have also been linked with the player who has repeatedly stressed on the need for first team football, which is not forthcoming at Madrid.

However, Arsenal's hesitance in making an official bid has handed the initiative to Tottenham who are currently favourites to land the player, having secured a good relationship with Madrid after the transfer of Gareth Bale and Luka Modric to Spain in the space of three years.

Tottenham finished sixth this season under Tim Sherwood and are planning a complete rejig of their squad, having spent £100m just the season before.

The striker is likely to replace Roberto Soldado, who has failed to live up to expectations after a big money move from Valencia. The Spurs also need additional back-up in the striker position with Jermain Defoe making his way to the MLS in the winter transfer window.

His departure may depend on the fate of Karim Benzema, who has been linked with Arsenal and Madrid's ability to land Luis Suarez from Real Madrid. The youngster will play alongside Emmanuel Adebayor, who has found his form back under Sherwood and is looking to push on after being relegated to the bench by Andre Villas-Boas.

Meanwhile, the Gunners need him as a backup for Olivier Giroud, who only has Yaya Sanogo to provide him cover after the departure of Nicklas Bendtner and Park Chu Young after their contracts expired this summer.