Report: Alvaro Morata will join Arsenal on-loan in January

Credit: Scott Rovak-USA TODAY Sports

Real Madrid starlet Alvaro Morata has agreed to join Arsenal on six-month loan deal in January, according to Spanish radio outlet Onda Cero. The 21-year-old Spaniard has made 12 total appearances for Real Madrid this season with only one start, scoring twice. Morata was believed to be part of the deal for Gareth Bale last summer, and Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy was keen to bring him to North London this winter. Morata has chosen The Emirates, however.

A scintillating talent, the youngster grabbed the Golden Boot in Spain’s Under-21 World Cup championship run in Israel over the summer. In total, Morata has scored 12 goals in 11 appearances for Spain’s Under-21 side, leading many to believe him as Real Madrid’s next star. He has struggled to get off the bench under Carlo Ancelotti this season, however, and the belief is Morata wants to see more first-team football to salvage hope of being named to Vincente del Bosque’s World Cup squad this summer in Brazil.

For Arsenal, Arsene Wenger receives an exceptional talent at no transfer cost, simply to fill the void behind starting striker Olivier Giroud, who has seen an intense workload this season. A loan is a preferred buy for Wenger in January, as he can cover short term needs without paying a long term investment. With 27 appearances for Real Madrid over the last season and a half, however, one wonders if Morata is tried and tested in top-level club football. That and the language, climate and culture barriers between his native Spain and England remain to be seen.