Alvaro Morata
Alvaro Morata Reuters

Arsenal have received a huge boost in their chase for Alvaro Morata after the striker voiced his frustration about his Real Madrid exile, suggesting that he needs more playing time to be happy.

Despite his lack of minutes with Real Madrid, where he has only made one starting La Liga appearance, Morata has maintained his form in front of goal, as he showed in a starring performance against Germany for Spain's Under-21s.

The former Real Madrid youth player hit the post three times and scored the opener to lead his side to a 2-0 victory.

Asked after the game about his feelings, Morata, who has scored 13 goals in his last 12 Under-21 games, alluded to his lack of playing time at the Bernabeu.

"When I come to the national team, I'm happy and I have a lot of confidence. Lopetegui (the boss) gives me that confidence and he knows that when I'm given minutes, I'm capable of doing things well," Morata said in the mixed zone as quoted by AS.

"When I came here, I did things well and I continue to do so because bit by bit, I'll earn more minutes. I felt good [against Germany] - in the last five minutes I was a little tired, but it's all good."

The Real Madrid starlet was close to moving to Arsenal on loan during the January transfer window and recent reports claimed that he has already agreed personal terms to make the move to the Emirates Stadium this summer.

Morata has proved his worth at the Santiago Bernabeu every time manager Carlo Ancelotti has given him the chance, scoring three goals in just 241 minutes - an average of better than a goal a game.

However, with Karim Benzema excelling, Morata's chances to secure a place in Real Madrid's line-up look uncertain as he has been am unused substitute in eight of the club's last 11 domestic league games.

Arsene Wenger has earmarked signing an Olivier Giroud back-up as his top priority for the summer, and the Real Madrid talent leads a short-list of players that also includes Diego Costa and Jackson Martinez.

Arsene Wenger