Arsenal Transfer News: Latest on Alvaro Morata and Mario Mandzukic Rumours

Spanish reports say Real Madrid striker Alvaro Morata is unhappy at having to return to the Santiago Bernabeu after desiring a switch to the Premier League with Arsenal.

Jose Manuel Garcia of El Confidential (h/t Mark Brus of Metro) reported the Spain international has made a "U-turn" regarding his future after Real activated a buy-back clause, forcing their former youth player to rejoin from Juventus. It was predicted Real would immediately sell on the talent for profit, but Morata is expected to be part of the squad next term.

Zinedine Zidane confirmed his intentions to retain Morata during his team's pre-season tour of the United States, as reported by Reuters via Eurosport.

"Yes, Morata is a Real Madrid player," Zidane told reporters in Michigan. "We're delighted to have him back, back to his original home. He's going to remain a Real Madrid player."

Here is the player in action during his stint at Juve:

The striker fell out of favour at Juventus last season but sustained a credible goalscoring record from the bench. Morata scored nine goals and provided nine assists in Serie A and the UEFA Champions League, according to WhoScored.com, but was forced to enter from the bench in 20 games.

In other news, Arsenal will have to make a "monster offer" if they want to take Mario Mandzukic to north London from Juve.

Italian newspaper Tuttosport (h/t James Cambridge of the Daily Express) reported the forward is on Arsene Wenger's "radar," but the Gunners will need to tempt the Italian champions with a gigantic offer to obtain the powerful striker.

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The Turin club have just completed the £75 million transfer of Argentine striker Gonzalo Higuain but will not allow Mandzukic to leave with concession, per Tuttosport. Wenger and Arsenal face competition from Everton, West Ham United and Tottenham Hotspur if the experienced Croatia international is placed on the market.

Wenger is desperate to add a goalscorer to his ranks but could turn to Riyad Mahrez as a striking option, as highlighted by Metro's Mark Brus:

Morata and Mandzukic have notable experience at the top of European football, but despite their obvious qualities, neither is a perfect fit for Wenger's system.

The Frenchman will require a striker with genuine pace to complement the talent of Olivier Giroud, allowing Wenger to rotate his options at the right time.

Mandzukic is past his best as a top-class predator, and at the other end of the spectrum, Morata needs further development and game time to improve.

Both strikers have a defined and robust skillset, but Wenger can find better examples during the transfer window to placate his needs.