According to fresh reports, Arsenal tried to sign former Chelsea striker Alvaro Morata in the January transfer window. 

The Gunners saw a bid rejected for Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins, and decided against placing an improved bid for the England international.

They also had been linked with Wolves striker Matheus Cunha in January, although the Brazilian signed a new contract at Molineux, keeping him there until 2029.

However, according to a new report by the Daily Mail, Arsenal had a shortlist of four names in January, including AC Milan striker Alvaro Morata.

The Spanish international ended up making a loan move to Galatasaray where he is playing alongside in-demand striker Victor Osimhen.

However, the report says that Arsenal were keen on signing him, and discusses whether to make a move for him during the window. Morata scored on his debut for Galatasaray, and will return to Milan in January 2026.

Before his move to Turkey, Morata made 25 appearances for Milan, scoring six goals and providing two assists. His contract at the San Siro expires in June 2028.

Which other strikers did Arsenal shortlist?

According to the report, Watkins was on the list alongside Mathys Tel from Bayern Munich, who joined rivals Tottenham on a loan deal until the end of the season.

It also says that the Gunners had shortlisted Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig, who they have been linked with since the summer.

However, the German club were not prepared to sell him in January, and the Gunners may decide to pursue the Slovenian international in the summer window.

The report does not mention any interest in Wolves striker Cunha despite countless media attention linking the Brazilian over a move to the Emirates during the window. It means that the Gunners perhaps didn’t view the Wolves star as a legitimate transfer target in January.