Liverpool Set To Rival Arsenal In Race For Alvaro Morata

Arsenal appear set to face stiff competition from Liverpool for the signing of Alvaro Morata this winter.
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According to reports from Spanish newspaper Marca cited by the Daily Express , the Reds are looking to beat Arsene Wenger’s men in the race for one of Real Madrid’s hottest starlets – with the Merseyside outfit having made a bid to take him on loan.
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The same report suggests that Liverpool would like to take Morata to Anfield for the rest of the season, but that La Liga giants Real are in no hurry to negotiate any potential deal.
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Liverpool, who currently lie fourth in the Premier League table after an encouraging opening to the 2013/14 campaign under Brendan Rodgers, boast one of the most formidable strike partnerships in Europe in the form of Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge.
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However, with the latter having been sidelined with an ankle injury since late November, it appears as if Liverpool and Rodgers are keen to ensure that they are not left exposed in such a vital area as we edge ever closer towards the title run-in.
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Arsenal, meanwhile, have been persistently linked with a move of their own for Morata as Arsene Wenger seeks to provide adequate cover for formidable French international Olivier Giroud.
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With Giroud having been sidelined with his own ankle problem lately and Nicklas Bendtner and Theo Walcott set for months out of action, it appears imperative that the league leaders are able to provide alternative attacking options.
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Such a move appeared in severe doubt yesterday, however, with Real Madrid reportedly having informed Arsenal that they do not intend to let the Spain U21 international depart the club.
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It remains to be seen if Liverpool can have more success in persuading Real into letting Morata come to England on a temporary basis.