The need for a new striker for Arsenal was clear at the start of the transfer window, given the brief absence of Olivier Giroud and the longer-term injury to Nicklas Bendtner. They were still decently stocked with the likes of Lukas Podolski, Theo Walcott still available along with the overdue return of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

However, the untimely nature of Theo Walcott’s injury – which has seen his season end for Arsenal – has made the need of reinforcements much more pressing. Wenger now realizes that adding firepower up front is something which absolutely cannot be overlooked now, and he is looking for a short-term option rather than a long-term one.

The primary targets for Arsenal include Athletico Madrid’s Diego Costa and Bayern Munich’s Marko Mandzukic, but the Gunners are aware that they might not be able to sign them mid-way through the season. Given the urgent situation as of now, it would be logical for them to pursue a loan-deal for a striker. They were linked to Morata previously, though the Madrid hierarchy had revealed that they were not willing to let the young Spaniard leave this transfer window.

Despite their statement, officials from Arsenal are trying to broker this deal, claim Daily Mail. Do we see Arsenal successfully convincing Madrid to let Morata join Arsenal temporarily? Or will Wenger have to look elsewhere to satisfy his hunt for a striker?