Multiple Sources Report Morata Coming to Arsenal on Loan

Arsenal may have its backup striker for the remainder of the 2013-14 season.

According to reports from multiple English sources, including Metro, Express, and the Daily Star, with an additional nod from the Guardian's Rumor Mill, Alvaro Morata will be headed from Real Madrid to Arsenal as part of a six-month loan deal when the transfer window reopens in January.

Morata won't be of use in Champions League matches, as he's already subbed on in several matches for Real Madrid this campaign, but would clearly be employable in league matches and FA Cup matches. He's also been part of U19 and U21 championship teams for his native Spain.

The Real Madrid website says these gushing things about the striker:

Alvaro Morata is a very complete striker. Fast in attack, skilled, able to go past players and he has a good character. A killer in the area and always amongst the top scorers in all of the teams he has played in. His quality, goal-scorer’s instinct and opportunism have helped him to keep his spot through the lower ages groups for Spain.

Two other notable components of this story -- reports have Morata as a sort of Plan B after alleged attempts to sign Alexandre Pato from Corinthians failed, and Morata's been sought after by Tottenham Hotspur to possibly be the one new signing this year who can score with regularity from open play.

Naturally, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is not confirming interest in either Pato or Morata.