Arsenal are plotting to go head to head with Real Madrid for the signing of Juventus striker Alvaro Morata.
However, according to the Express, both English and Spanish heavyweights are set to miss out on the hitman, with Juve unwilling to sell despite Morata’s unhappy campaign so far.
The striker has managed just one goal in 18 league appearances so far this term, and has found himself usurped by the likes of Mario Mandzukic and Paulo Dybala in the Old Lady’s starting XI.
However, despite his miserable campaign, Juventus are unwilling to sell the player, and have confirmed to Mediaset Predium [as per the tabloid] that they are not prepared to entertain offers for the hitman.
“We have no interest in dealing with Real Madrid or any other club,” the club’s sporting director Giuseppe Marotta told the Italian TV station.
“We’ve never considered selling Morata. He’s part of the backbone of this team; he’s a youngster who has shown he’s the real thing.
“We’re used to keeping hold of players like him.”
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However, there is a chance that the Gunners can still get their man.
Real Madrid are reported to have inserted a buyback clause into Morata’s contract when they sold him to Juve in 2014, and should Juventus be forced to accept an offer from the Merengues, then there would be little advantage in their refusing an equivalent or greater bid from the Gunners.