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Much speculation has been written in recent weeks regarding the future of Juventus striker, Alvaro Morata. Arsenal are said to be a handful of clubs watching the Spaniard and a move to Arsenal could be on the cards - So what could Morata bring to Arsenal?
The Juventus man has sparked a fanfare after admitting that a move to the Premier League would be “a great destination.”
Morata who is currently on international duty with Spain, told Spanish newspaper AS: “I think my characteristics mean the Premier League would be a great destination.” He added: “With what I have learned in Italy, I have the chance to learn something more in England I think it would make me a more complete player.”
The 23-year old is third choice striker at Juve behind Paulo Dybala and Mario Mandzukic and appears to be fed up with life in Italy as Real Madrid prepare to trigger a buy-back clause for Morata, before selling him for a healthy profit, with Karim Benzema, Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale all first choice options at Madrid.
There is no doubt that Arsenal are in desperate need of a natural goalscorer and big-name striker. Danny Welbeck has shown glimpses of his quality but ultimately injuries have restricted him. Meanwhile, Olivier Giroud has done well, but his inconsistency has left Arsene Wenger searching for another forward to score the goals to fire Arsenal to the Premier League title, after a promising second place finish last season.
There is no guarantee that Morata will join Arsenal, or leave Juventus for that matter, but one thing for certain is that the striker is desperate for regular game time and at Arsenal he will certainly get that.
Since Morata made his La Liga debut for Real Madrid in 2010 and moved to Juventus in 2014 he has only made 35 starts in La Liga and Serie A combined.
Arsenal are desperate for a striker to hit the 20 goal mark and Morata’s record does not reflect that. However, he has done enough on the big stage to suggest that if given regular minutes then he can be Arsenal’s missing link.
Morata recently scored the winner in the Coppa Italia final and since joining the Italian champions he has netted in a Champions League final against Barcelona, both legs of a Champions League semi final against Real Madrid, as well as decisive goals against Borussia Dortmund and Manchester City in Europe. There is no doubt he is a big game player, hence his inclusion in Spain’s Euro 2016 squad.
His tall frame makes him a threat in the air with impressive hold up play. However, his main strengths are his pace, energy and work rate - all essentials in the Premier League to be a success.
His quick feet and movement also makes him a nightmare for defenders and if we look at how Arsenal set up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, it is clear to see how Morata can fit.
Morata is versatile and able to play as a main striker, in the hole or even out wide. If at Arsenal, it looks likely that he would spearhead the attack with three men in behind like Alexis Sanchez, Mesut Ozil and Theo Walcott. Jack Wilshere and Granit Xhaka will sit deeper in midfield allowing Arsenal to attack freely. With the creative quality in that squad it is enough to whet the appetite of any striker looking for a move.
The Spaniard's 12 goals in 47 matches this season is hardly groundbreaking and many could say not worthy of a £30 million plus price tag, but the 23-year old has something special and the Premier League will suit, given his pace and technical ability. Despite his age, Morata is still quite raw and learning how to play to his game. In Arsene Wenger, Morata will have a mentor who is renowned for bringing the best out of young, fresh talent - Look no further than Thierry Henry for instance.
Only time will tell if we will see Alvaro Morata in the Premier League. Swapping the black and white or Juventus for the red and white of Arsenal remains to be seen as speculation over his future continues. An impressive Euro 2016 may just be the telling answer as the youngster’s stock continues to rise across Europe.