Arsenal are reportedly still favourites to sign Juventus striker Alvaro Morata, who will likely return to Real Madrid in the coming weeks.
The Spaniard has enjoyed two successful years in Turin, but his time with the Bianconeri looks to be coming to an end with Real holding a buy-back clause in his contract.
However, it is widely acknowledged that the La Liga giants intend on exercising it only to sell the 23-year-old on for a profit this summer, and that has led to Tuttosport confirming that Arsenal sit in pole position to sign him.
For their part, Juve are continuing to attempt to reach a deal with both Real and the player to see him remain in Italy on a permanent basis.
Their argument is strong in that he remains a fans favourite in Turin, will be given an important role in the squad and will be rewarded financially.
Nevertheless, as noted by Tuttosport, they are simply unable to compete with the numbers being offered from elsewhere, with Arsenal leading the likes of Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea and Manchester United in the race to sign him.
Both a move to the Emirates and the Premier League in general intrigues Morata, according to the report, but the two key aspects remain the fact that his salary will substantially increase and he will be regarded as a main protagonist for Arsene Wenger’s side.
The latter will be particularly key for the Spanish international, as ultimately that is why he will leave Real given the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema remain ahead of him in the pecking order.
If Wenger can promise him regular first-team football and can match his demands off the pitch, then it appears as though Arsenal could finally end their supporters’ wait for a top-class striker who is more than capable of scoring important goals and scoring regularly if given a prominent role.