Transfer news: Arsenal are 'not in talks' with Real Madrid over Alvaro Morata, insists Arsene Wenger

The Spanish youngster has been linked with a move to the Premier League

Alvaro Morata’s first-team chances have been limited at Real (Getty Images)

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has played down suggestions he is about to make a loan move for Real Madrid starlet Alvaro Morata - and admits he could do without the disruption of the January transfer window altogether.

The Gunners are on the look out for some attacking cover following a serious knee injury which has ruled England forward Theo Walcott out for the rest of the season and the World Cup.

The imminent return of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain from his own five-month lay-off with a knee injury and the emergence of Serge Gnabry does at least provide Wenger with wide options.

But Arsenal would nevertheless like to bring in some support for lead frontman Olivier Giroud, who is set to return from an ankle problem and illness in Monday night's Barclays Premier League match at Aston Villa.

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti insisted following his side's Copa del Rey tie against Osasuna, where the 21-year-old came on as a late substitute, that he had no interest in allowing Morata out on a loan move.

Wenger also appeared to pour cold water on the rumours when he spoke to the media at London Colney on Friday morning, and indicated his focus was very much on the players he currently has at his disposal.

"Nothing has changed because we are open to a possible solution and if something interesting turns up we will do it. It could be a loan as well yes," said Wenger.

"We are not in talks, with Real about anybody.

"I do not want to speak about any specific names. for us it is important to prepare well for Monday night and to win the game on Monday night.

"The people who are in the newspapers do not help us to win the game on Monday night.

"It is the players who play here."

Wenger added: "The transfer market is a distraction that for me is not welcome.

"I think it would be much better that there is no transfer market at all in January and the team starts and finishes with the same players 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."

PA