As is transfer window ritual, Arsenal have been linked with Spanish striker Alvaro Morata.

The Juventus player is being linked with the Gunners by a number of Italian outlets, including tuttosport, but we all know the Italian newspapers and sites love their transfer window rumours. Manchester United, Spurs and Liverpool have all also been linked with the 23-year-old, but is he even likely to move?

If he is, Real Madrid have first option on him. He used to play for the Spanish giants, and when they sold him to Juventus in 2014 they included a clause in the deal meaning he could return to Madrid whenever they wanted. They didn’t take up the opportunity in 2015 and the clause now stands at €35m (£26.5m).

However, Madrid (along with city rivals Atlético) have been struck with a transfer ban and – should they decide not to appeal – will not be allowed to register any players for two windows once January is over. That opens the door for Arsenal and others, should the player wish to leave.

In the summer Juve lost Carlos Tevez but signed Mario Mandžukić and Paulo Dybala, who has particularly impressed. As a result, Morata has been relegated in his squad role, completing 90 minutes in none of his 18 Serie A appearances so far this season. Only seven of those appearances have seen him start, and he has occasionally had to deal with playing out wide.

Any possible transfer won’t happen this January and is likely to hinge on whether or not Morata wants to leave. Even then Arsenal would face stiff competition, but it would be worth a try.