Arsenal and Tottenham face missing out on Alvaro Morata transfer as Juventus try to agree permanent deal with Atletico
JUVENTUS look set to deal a blow to Arsenal’s and Tottenham’s rumoured hopes of a transfer swoop for Alvaro Morata. Reports claim the Italians hope to steal a march on the Premier League rivals by making his temporary Serie A move from Atletico Madrid permanent.
Juventus are reportedly hoping to beat Arsenal and Tottenham in the race to sign Alvaro MorataCredit: Getty
Spanish newspaper Sport reports the player has indicated he wants to stay with Max Allegri’s team with whom he has a two-year loan deal which expires in 2023.
It is thought the former Chelsea forward, 29, who agreed to extend his temporary move for a further season last June, has become an integral part of Allegri’s side.
This is despite the January arrival of Dusan Vlahovic.
The Serbia forward, 22, has enjoyed a storming start to his Turin career netting four goals in six top-flight appearances for the club.
Tuttomercato claim Arsenal are keen on a summer move for Morata with the Spain forward’s Atletico contract set to end in June this year.
.css-qu9fel{border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-b9nmbi{margin-bottom:16px;border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-q8gelu{margin-bottom:24px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-1x7hydu{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-1x7hydu::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -0.5px);}.css-1x7hydu::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}Most read in Football.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-zdjvqv{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:space-around;-ms-flex-pack:space-around;-webkit-justify-content:space-around;justify-content:space-around;margin-top:calc(-12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(-12px/2);}.css-zdjvqv:before,.css-zdjvqv:after{content:”;display:block;}.css-1meuhfk{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-top:calc(12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(12px/2);}
It is thought Tottenham gaffer Antonio Conte also has his eye on the player after seeing former Spurs target Adama Traore seal a January transfer to Barcelona from Wolves.
However, Gazetta dello Sport allege Juventus are attempting to negotiate a lower asking price than the £29.1million fee (€35m) they reportedly agreed to pay Atletico for Morata’s services.
The winger has racked up 55 goals and 37 assists in 172 games for the Italian club who are fourth in Serie A.
And his side are due to play Fiorentina in an Italian Cup semi-final first leg clash on Wednesday.
Arsenal, who play Watford next, have seen their striker ranks depleted after allowing former skipper Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang to move to Barcelona.
The Gabon frontman completed a January move to Spain after dropping down Mikel Arteta’s pecking order amid rumours of a fallout and disciplinary issues.
Morata is thought to be a key part of Juve boss Allegri’s plans despite the arrival of Dusan Vlahovic from FiorentinaCredit: Getty
It is thought the club, who are chasing a return to Champions League competition, are looking to boost their attacking options this summer.
Two of their current strikers – Alexandre Lacazette, 30, and Eddie Nketiah, 22, – have contracts which are set to expire at the end of this season.
It is claimed Morata is a suitable target for the Gunners with the winger having missed just two games so far this term due to injury. More
