Real Madrid's Morientes welcomes Arsenal interest

Real Madrid striker Fernando Morientes says he welcomes the interest of Arsenal.

Morientes is prepared to leave Real this summer and said: "Arsenal are a fantastic side and Porto are the best team in Europe right now, so moving to either club would not be a step down from Real."

His agent, Gines Carvajal, added: "There has been some interest from Monaco and their new owner is a big fan of Fernando and he is not short of cash either."

"What is clear is that Fernando is not going to be used as small change in a deal to lure another player to Madrid."