Alvaro Morata is not leaving Real Madrid anytime soon.
Coach Carlo Ancelotti recently confirmed the news after Madrid took down Osasuna 2-0 in the opening leg of the Copa del Rey.
"We have not changed our plan," Ancelotti said, according to ESPN. "Furthermore, Morata has not asked to leave. I am very happy with him."
Morata has been rumored as a target for Arsenal and Liverpool as the two sides look to add attacking prowess. Arsenal was seen as the clear favorite due to the team's lack of a suitable backup to Olivier Giroud. Now it looks like the team will have to look elsewhere to fulfill its offensive needs.
Morata was once seen as the favorite to steal the starting striker position from Karim Benzema but has fallen into third in the pecking order. Benzema has regained his form and Madrid prospect Jesé Rodriguez has emerged as the team's main backup.
"[Jesé] played well, worked hard, scored and was involved in the match," Ancelotti said about Jese's performance against Osasuna. "He is an important player and is in good form and we have to make the most of that. He only came off because of a cramp."
Morata previously hinted at the possibility of leaving Madrid, but the current comments indicate that he is satisfied with his position at Madrid. He is still rather young and figures to be a part of the team's future alongside Isco, Jesé, Asier Illarramendi and Nacho Fernandez among others.
Should Madrid keep Morata or loan him out to build his playing experience?