Arsenal: Arteta's assistant Molina 'phones Morata to convince him to sign'

Arsenal assistant manager Miguel Molina personally called Juventus striker Alvaro Morata in a bid to convince him to return to the Premier League on deadline day, according to a report in Spain.

The arrival of Dusan Vlahovic at Juventus has seen Morata fall even further down Massimiliano Allegri's pecking order in Turin and as such the on-loan forward has generated interest.

Sportsmail understands Arsenal made an approach for the former Chelsea striker, with Spanish outlet Diario AS reporting that the player received a call from Mikel Arteta's trusted lieutenant, Molina, to outline how he would fit in at the Emirates Stadium.

Molina is reported to have sold to Morata, 29, that he is the 'missing piece' in their side and that he would complement an emerging team that is pushing for the top four.

The reported call is interesting as Molina and Morata previously worked together at Atletico Madrid.

Arsenal are desperately seeking striking reinforcements with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang exiled by Arteta for disciplinary reasons while Folarin Balogun has been loaned out to Middlesbrough.

Eddie Nketiah is generating interest from other Premier League sides and that leaves Arteta with just Alexandre Lacazette as an orthodox striker.

Arsenal have until 11pm tonight to finalise a move for a striker as they know they need to strengthen in attack if they are to reignite their bid for a Champions League place.

With Morata the issue lies in that he is reluctant to make a return to England in the middle of the season, particularly given his unenjoyable time in west London at Chelsea.

He joined Chelsea from Real Madrid in 2017 but was sent packing to Atletico Madrid in 2019 with just 24 goals and six assists to his name.

Sportsmail understands Morata's preference is to stay at Juventus, despite the arrival of Vlahovic.

Cash-strapped Barcelona had been pushing for a deal for Morata but Atletico, who are battling Barca for a top four spot in LaLiga, are loathe to strengthen a rival and are reported to have intimated that to the player's agent, Juanma Lopez.