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Atletico Madrid striker Alvaro Morata is reportedly close to joining Premier League giants Arsenal this summer.
The Spanish striker has been linked with both the Gunners and La Liga side Barcelona, with Morata departing Juventus this summer following the expiration of his loan.
Gunners striker Alexandre Lacazette looks to be heading out of the north London side with his contract expiring on June 30.
SPORT (via Sport Witness) reports that Arsenal are close to signing Morata, whose contract with Atletico runs until 2023.
The former Chelsea striker is reportedly a long-term target for Mikel Arteta and the Gunners are claimed to have made a €30 million offer to bring him to the Emirates.
Morata has made 48 appearances for the Old Lady this season, scoring 12 goals and contributing nine assists. However, Juventus' signing of Dusan Vlahovic in January seemingly ended any chances of Morata's loan move becoming permanent.
Arsenal are also being linked with Manchester City striker Gabriel Jesus, who knows manager Arteta from their time together at the Etihad Stadium. Arteta was part of Pep Guardiola's backroom staff from 2016 to 2019 and could be reunited with the Brazilian this summer.
The Athletic reports the Gunners are exploring the possibility of bringing Jesus to the Emirates, with the striker said to be open to the move.
Attacking reinforcements eyed by Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta this summer
Arsenal ended the 2021-22 Premier League season by just missing out on a top-four finish in agonizing fashion. The Gunners headed into the final three games of the season, fourth with a four-point lead over Tottenham Hotspur.
However, following a 3-0 north London derby thrashing by Spurs and a 2-0 defeat to Newcastle United, Mikel Arteta's side capitulated. Antonio Conte's side leapfrogged the Gunners to clinch the final Champions League spot.
It has been a story of not being able to convert chances for the Gunners this season, with Arteta ruing a host of missed opportunities. The Spanish manager is therefore targeting an attacking influx to give his side more firepower heading into next season.
The Emirates side could head into next season with both Gabriel Jesus and Alvaro Morata as options.
Alexandre Lacazette's departure is expected, with the Frenchman enduring a disappointing campaign. The 30-year-old managed just four goals in 30 Premier League appearances.
One striker that does appear set to remain at Arsenal is Eddie Nketiah. The Athletic reports that the young English forward is on the brink of agreeing a new deal with the Gunners. Nketiah had an upturn in form in the latter stages of the season, scoring five goals in 21 Premier League appearances.
