We are in the midst of 'silly season' as the transfer window winds up to explode this summer. Arsenal are already being linked with a plethora of players who, in the end, will represent several times the number of players that end up arriving ahead of the deadline.
In particular, the striker position seems the primary focus of the majority of links with numerous names said to be interesting Arsenal. From Gabriel Jesus to Victor Osimhen and more recently Alvaro Morata, the Gunners are looking at all the options it seems.
Although that has not stopped Sport from claiming that Arsenal are "very close" to securing a €30million (£26million) deal for Alvaro Morata. Atletico Madrid will likely want to cash in knowing that the Spanish international has just a year left on his deal.
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Morata has become something of a phenomenon of a striker. Without ever entering into the elite calibre of No.9s, he has found himself at the top clubs on the continent and in England.
His resume includes Real Madrid, Juventus, Atletico Madrid and Chelsea. Adding Arsenal to the pile would be quite the scoop for the 29-year-old.
A move in January for Arsenal was mooted but he remained with his temporary parent club Juventus where it is unlikely, they will activate the option clause at the end of the deal this June. For Arsenal to commit to the player now would be an odd choice.
There are significantly better options for Arsenal to pursue. The aforementioned Jesus and Osimhen would guarantee a greater goal threat and their younger age makes the investment that much safer.
With so many other positions on the radar and Eddie Nketiah seemingly likely now to renew with the club, the act of securing Morata could cost Arsenal the chance to bring in a better option. With needs in midfield and defence in addition to the possibility of a wide player, dropping £26million on the Atleti man could jeopardise other targets.
Gabriel Jesus in particular has ambitions of being the main man. Seeing an out-and-out striker like Morata making a switch could potentially undermine the negotiation to convince the Brazilian of a guaranteed starting berth.
Under Mikel Arteta, the recruitment has been much smarter than seen prior to his arrival. Players have moved to the club for reasonable fees and their output has exceeded that valuation.
Takehiro Tomiyasu, Aaron Ramsdale and Gabriel Magalhaes arrived for sub £30million fees and would demand a figure in excess of this were they to leave tomorrow. It, therefore, makes so little sense why a deal for Morata would materialise.
It simply does not fit in with the character of moves the club has been making. If it is to happen, I for one would certainly be re-evaluating my stance on the decision-making processes of the recruitment team for this window. That is for sure.
