Barcelona wanted to sign Morata on a six-month loan. Though Juventus were willing to let him go, his parent club Atletico Madrid insisted on a permanent transfer. Eventually, this broke down the negotiations.
According to reports from Fichajes, Juventus are now interested in making Morata’s move to Turin permanent. The Spaniard has played for the Bianconeri for two seasons on loan, and Juventus are finally considering activating the purchase clause.
This comes as surprising news, given that the Italians just signed Dusan Vlahovic for €75 million plus bonuses in January. It was thought that Morata’s prominence would reduce significantly after the Serbian’s arrival.
As per the contract, the Serie A side must pay Atletico Madrid €35 million to activate the purchase clause. However, it is rumoured that Juventus are willing to pay only €20 million for the operation.
The final decision lies at the hands of the Atleti administration: let go of a player who has no place in the team for a lower price or keep him and pay his salary.
It seems logical for Los Rojiblancos to let Morata leave, given that they have Luis Suarez and Antoine Griezmann to cover duties in the forward line.
As for Barcelona, the plan in June will no longer be to pursue Alvaro Morata. With Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang at the club on a short-term basis, Erling Haaland is seen as the single big target, and Joan Laporta will have his work cut out for him.
