Real Madrid have told Arsenal to forget about Alvaro Morata.

The London Evening Standard says Real consider him important back-up to main striker Karim Benzema because Cristiano Ronaldo is uncomfortable playing in that position and are therefore unwilling to take the risk of allowing Morata to leave on a temporary basis.

Arsenal remain hopeful of convincing Real to sell, perhaps through offering a significant loan fee but Arsene Wenger's staff are thought to be compiling a list of alternatives should there be no breakthrough over Morata.