Arsenal told to complete £25m Alvaro Morata deal after update – pundit
Noel Whelan has backed Alvaro Morata to shine at Arsenal if they can convince the striker to join this summer.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed the 29-year-old “has a dangerous presence” which would be valuable for Mikel Arteta’s men.
According to Spanish outlet Sport (26 May), Arsenal have revived their interest in Atletico Madrid hitman Morata after failing with a bid during the January window.
However, Calciomercato claim (27 May) that the Spain international is not enthusiastic about a return to London after his ill-fated two-year spell at Chelsea.
Morata, who is out of contract next summer (2023), scored 24 goals in 72 games for the Stamford Bridge side.
Whelan urged the Gunners to try and convince the 29-year-old despite his history in England.
“I think Arsenal would suit Morata, absolutely,” he told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury.
“He ended up being a bit of a flop at Chelsea, but sometimes it doesn’t work out. He definitely still has a really dangerous presence.
“He’s got the stature that Arsenal need from a traditional number nine, he just needs the service.
“I think he’d certainly get a lot of chances with the talent Arsenal have – Saka, Odegaard, Smith Rowe.
“He would be something different that Arsenal haven’t had for a long time. I can see it working out well if they can convince him to come.”
Alexandre Lacazette is set to become the latest big-name striker to leave Arsenal after Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang departed for Barcelona in January.
The Gunners will play Europa League football next season after a fifth-place finish in the 2021-22 campaign.
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