Spanish newspaper ‘El Confidencial’ reports that Real Madrid duo Iker Casillas and Alvaro Morata top the Gunners transfer agenda for the winter.
Knowing that a first league title for a decade is very much on the horizon for his talented side, Wenger is rumoured to be looking for immediate reinforcements, rather than talent for future campaigns.
The duo were supposedly on the Arsenal radar last summer, and now are once more being linked to a move to North London.
Both players have struggled to nail down a starting berth at the Bernabeu this season, and while Madrid are reportedly unwilling to sell as early as next month, there are certain factors that could swing the situation in the Gunners’ favour.
Spanish captain Casillas, while knowing that his place in Vincent Del Bosque’s World Cup side is secure, has not been a key figure at Real for the last two years; with the club taking preliminary steps towards signing a young keeper for the future.
Despite appearing only in cup competitions this year, Casillas is still loyal to the club he has served for the last 23 years, as he said in his recent interview with Spanish TV station ‘El Hormiguero’ (via AS).
But the final decision is with Madrid, and Arsenal may look to offer a tempting package in the upcoming window.
Casillas’ Real teammate, Morata, has almost exclusively appeared from the bench for the La Liga giants, and although he wants to play for Madrid, Carlo Ancelotti cannot guarantee a place in his starting XI for the 21-year-old.
The ‘El Confidencial’ report adds that the only way Morata would leave in January is that if Real secure a big-name striker signing. Luis Suarez was cited as the prime candidate, but with the Uruguayan today signing a new long term deal at Liverpool, Madrid will have to look elsewhere.
The signing of a striker must be seen as crucial for Arsenal. The Gunners only have Olivier Giroud and Nicklas Bendtner on the books; and despite the return of winger/striker Lucas Podolski from injury, Wenger will be desperate to add a little more firepower to really propel his side towards that long-awaited title.
What do you think? Which would be a better signing, Casillas or Morata? Let me know in the comments below…
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