Arsenal were today handed a boost in their efforts to bolster their injury-hit strike force as Real Madrid made clear they are willing to listen to offers for Arsene Wenger's primary target Alvaro Morata.

The Gunners have been notified that the Spanish club and striker would be open to a move to the Emirates until the end of the season - with no option to make the deal permanent.



As Standard Sport reported this week, Arsenal placed the 21 year-old Spaniard at the top of their list for January reinforcements following injuries to Nicklas Bendtner and Theo Walcott.



But after their initial enquiry to sign Morata, Real Madrid said that they would not be willing to sell the Spain Under-21 international.



However, following talks between the player's representatives and the club, Real have altered their stance, and should the terms of the loan - including a fee - be agreed between the clubs, Morata could be at the Emirates by the end of the month.



Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti would prefer to keep Morata at the Bernabeu for the rest of the campaign but accepts the player has fallen down the pecking order.



The former Chelsea boss has opted to use 20 year-old Jese Rodriguez as the main back up striker for Karim Benzema, leaving Morata struggling to secure a place on the bench.



Morata also made public this week his concerns over the lack of first team opportunities at Real Madrid and confirmed he could seek a move.



He told Minuto 116: 'It's important to have a proper role in the team. I've been at Real Madrid my whole life and I've been a Real Madrid fan since I was a boy. I will be all my life but it's important to have an important role.



'If the moment comes that I don't, I will look at other options. Staying at Real Madrid is complicated.



'Playing five or 10 minutes is okay if you accept it. You have the chance to get on the pitch and try to change a game in a short space of time. Every minute in football is gold.'



Arsenal face competition from a host of clubs including Liverpool and Inter Milan to secure a loan deal for Morata but both the player and Real Madrid are understood to favour the Gunners believing he is more likely to play regularly for Wenger's team.