Real Madrid striker Alvaro Morata has seemingly been on Arsenal’s radar since the dawn of time, with Arsene Wenger reportedly dead-set on signing the young Spaniard sooner or later.

But in recent months, competition for his signature has begun to mount, with Serie A side Napoli now said to have already started preliminary negotiations with Real, and could snatch the hitman from under Wenger’s nose.

Italian site Sportmediaset has reported that Rafa Benitez’ Napoli have inquired after the Real striker, with club president Aurelio De Laurentiis having already held a series of talks with the Spanish giants.

There is a good relationship between the two clubs, with last season’s transfer of Gonzalo Higuain a fine example, and Napoli are hoping to reunite the Argentine striker with his former teammate Morata next season.

The 21-year-old has been the epitome of a super sub this season, appearing 20 times from the bench, scoring seven times for the La Liga side. His bit-part role at the club has seen him linked with a move away from the Spanish capital, with Arsenal said to be very keen to sign the talent, and reinforce their decidedly sparse forward line.

The striker was reported to have agreed to join the club on loan in January, only for him to pledge his immediate future to the club and remain in Madrid.

We reported a few months back that the reason for Arsenal’s failure to buy a striker in January, something that has really got the Gunners fans’ goat, seemed to be because Wenger was so fixed on Morata, and that any more forwards at the club could potentially dissuade the youngster from arriving at the Emirates in the summer.

With Inter Milan and Juventus also said to be interested in the young talent, Wenger looks now to have move fast if he is to secure his long-term target, with Napoli seemingly stealing ahead of the Gunners for the Spanish gem.

What do you think Is Morata worth the effort Let me know in the comments below…