Arsene Wenger
Arsene Wenger has denied Arsenal have a deal in place to land Alvaro Morata on loan. [Reuters]

Arsene Wenger has denied reports that Arsenal have approached Real Madrid in order to secure a loan deal for Alvaro Morata and has refuted claims that he is chasing Corinthians forward Alexandre Pato.

Earlier this week there were reports that Arsenal had made a bid of £6.5m for the Brazilian who has been heavily linked with a return to Europe.

Pato only returned to Brazil in January after falling out of favour at AC Milan but his impressive form for Corinthians has led to speculation that the Gunners would attempt to secure his signature in the winter transfer window.

However, despite Wenger having a lack of options when it comes to strikers, he made to clear to reporters during a press conference that the club had not made an offer for Pato.

Real Madrid striker Morata had also been mentioned as a possible target, with some publications even suggesting that the Spain Under-21 international had already agreed a six month loan deal with Arsenal.

Morata has already made 12 appearances for Los Blancos this season and is often used by Carlo Ancelotti in the second half of games, though he has started just one league game.

It is clear that he has a bright future at Madrid but it had been suggested that the Spanish giants may allow him to leave the club on a short term loan in January in order for him to receive more regular action.

While Olivier Giroud has excelled this season, Nicklas Bendtner has once again failed to impress in his rare outings and there has been a suggestion that he could look to leave the club in the New Year.

Wenger was quizzed on whether he had contacted Madrid about Morata and quickly quashed any rumours of a potential deal, saying: "There is no truth in that, that is all I can say. I have not been in touch with them."

Arsenal remain four points clear at the top of the Premier League table and it remains to be seen whether Wenger will decide to pursue any new targets in January.