He snubbed Arsenal on transfer deadline day, now striker target has caused a game to be abandoned by scoring for his new club

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Arsenal’s search for attacking reinforcements in the January transfer window stretched across Europe but to no avail.

Mikel Arteta was disappointed with the lack of Arsenal transfer activity during the window and now has just four available forwards for the upcoming Premier League clash with Leicester.

Arsenal had a bid rejected for Ollie Watkins late in the window, whilst they also made contact with Benjamin Sesko.

Arsenal also made a surprise move for Alvaro Morata on deadline day but the former Chelsea striker opted to sign for Galatasaray and it has been an eventful start to his career over in Turkey.

READ MORE: Arsenal star sparks new injury fears as fans spotted him missing from behind-the-scenes Dubai training images

Alvaro Morata penalty causes Galatasaray game to be abandoned

Morata scored his second goal for Galatasaray from the penalty spot in the 12th minute of Turkish league game to put his side 1-0 up against the bottom side Adana Demirspor.

The penalty had been awarded in controversial circumstances after it appeared Dries Mertens had gone down rather theatrically in the area but the VAR did not overturn the decision.

Incensed at the decision, the Adana Demirspor board collectively decided to withdraw their team from the match after contacting the president of the Turkish Football Federation.

Bizarrely, news of their decision did not filter down to their coaches and playing staff until the 30th minute of the match, whereby the Demirspor players left the field and the game was abandoned.

Morata would have provided Kai Havertz with competition for his place

Arsenal may have to replace Kai Havertz if he is injured amid reports that the German international has suffered a knock whilst training out in Dubai.

If true, Arteta would be left with just three attacking players available in his squad due to the absence of Havertz, alongside Gabriel Martinelli, Bukayo Saka and the long term absence of Gabriel Jesus.

Spanish international Morata has scored eight goals in all competitions this season and has previous experience of playing in the Premier League with 24 goals in 72 appearances for Chelsea.

With the opportunity now having passed the Gunners, they will be hoping and praying that Havertz is fit enough to start the vital clash with Leicester, where three points are a must in the battle with Liverpool for the title.