Chelsea’s Morata to Barcelona ?

According to reports, Barcelona are set to make a shock loan move for Chelsea’s flop Alvaro Morata this January. As of yet, a decision hasn’t been made either way as it’d depend on a variety of factors but a shortlist is being made up just in case. One of the names on that list is Alvaro Morata. Barça have heard that the striker could be allowed to leave on loan and are interested in hearing the conditions of such a deal before they make their move. They’ve asked about Morata’s situation but are yet to make a formal offer to Chelsea.

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The factors which will decide whether Barça sign another striker this month or down to potential outgoings. Denis Suarez, who has an offer on the table from Arsenal, and Munir, who is on the verge of joining Sevilla, would both need to be sold first. If they are both moved on there would be sufficient money available to bring in a striker on a short term deal but not an expensive one. The team’s wage bill is already at its limit and this is why Valverde will try some of his existing squad at centre forward instead. Dembele and Malcolm are two possible ‘nines’ to help cover the absence of Munir and allow Suarez to rest.

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It would be something of a risk to finish the season with only one pure striker on Barça’s books: Luis Suarez. You have to take into consideration the state of his knee which, when it flares up, requires him to rest or play through the pain. If he picks up a long term injury then Barça would be in a difficult position when it comes to the objective of winning the Champions League.

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Morata’s situation has been brought to Barcelona’s attention. Both the player and those closest to him have adapted to life in London and are desperate to leave. The striker wants to leave on a temporary deal before finding a permanent solution in the summer. Chelsea are happy to entertain this plan as long as they are able to find a replacement for the Spaniard. The problem here is that Chelsea want €3m and the buying team to pay 50% of Morata’s wages, taking the total cost of the deal to over €10m.

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Atlético Madrid, Sevilla and Bayern Munich have all expressed an interest in signing the wantaway forward this month. As for Barça, they’d only consider a move for Morata if the costs were reduced and they were able to retain an option to make the move permanent. The Spaniard is keen on a return home after an unhappy period in England.

Barça are in no rush to make a decision as they have other potential options available to them and for players who would be more content to play second fiddle to Suarez. The objective for now is to move on those who are no longer needed and then bring in the ideal striker to strengthen the squad. Next week there could be some more movements and Morata’s name is on the list of potential arrivals.

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