Rumour: Arsene Wenger rubbishes Alvaro Morata speculation

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger poured cold water on speculation linking the club with a move for Real Madrid striker Alvaro Morata by insisting to his Friday press conference that he is not in talks with the Spanish side. He continued by labelling the January transfer window as a “distraction” and stressing the need for his side to concentrate on on-field matters.

“We are not in talks with Real about anybody,” he insisted.

“I do not want to speak about any specific names. The people who are in the newspapers do not help us to win the game on Monday night. That is down to the players who play here.”

On the subject of the winter transfer window as a whole, Wenger continued;

“It’s always sensitive, especially when other players play for Premier League clubs,” the Arsenal manager continued.

“At the moment, I believe we have no shortage unless some other big injuries. That’s why it’s important just to continue to focus on our performances and our next game.

“The transfer market is a distraction that, for me, is not welcome. I think it would be much better [if there was] no transfer market at all in January and the team starts and finishes with the same players, [that] would be fair unless you have big injuries.

“For the rest, what is important is that we focus on the quality of our performances because it’s a period that is very sensitive at the moment and every game is now a massive game.”

Morata has won 71% of the headed duels that he has contested this season.