Since Thursday rumors that Barcelona wants to sign Atletico Madrid striker Alvaro Morata have spread like wildfire.
The former Real Madrid striker is currently on loan at Serie A giants Juventus. Despite having a good season last year, he struggled to perform at the expected level.
Since Juve is also plagued by financial problems, they may be open to letting him go in the middle of the campaign. Barça are now hoping to take advantage of the situation as they look for new players who will strengthen their attacking team.
While the Catalans have already signed Ferran Torres from Manchester City, developments surrounding the status of Ousmane Dembele’s contract have forced the club to change its plans.
The Frenchman has rejected the club’s latest offer and looks set to leave. Following this, Barcelona may decide to withdraw in January or dismiss him from the first team until the end of the season, when he will be released for free.
The new striker, therefore, is still a necessity for Blaugrana, leading to Morata’s interest. Goal reported that Barcelona had contacted the striker camp about the move, and were also willing to let Memphis Depay join Juventus to sign a deal.
However, any final statement on the matter will remain with Morata’s parents’ club, Atletico Madrid. Also, Gerard Romero now reports that Los Rojiblancos boss Diego Simeone has no intention of allowing the Spanish international to join the Catalans.
El Cholo does not want to strengthen his opponent in the top four race by allowing Morata to move to Camp Nou. Atletico are currently fifth in La Liga, one point behind Rayo Vallecano in fourth place.
As for Barça, he is embarrassed by Athletes, who sit in seventh place. Therefore, Simeone’s viewpoint on this matter is reasonable. That changed in the coming weeks remains to be seen.
