Barcelona are reportedly on the brink of securing the services of 29-year-old Spanish international Alvaro Morata on a loan deal this month.
According to a report by Spanish publication AS, Alvaro Morata is closing in on joining Barcelona on loan in the ongoing transfer window. The Catalan giants have reached an agreement with Juventus to transfer the loan deal with Atletico Madrid, with the addition of a purchase clause.
Alvaro Morata is currently in his second spell at Juventus, having rejoined the Bianconeri on a two-year loan deal in September 2020. But while the Spanish international has been a regular fixture for the Serie A giants, he has tended to blow hot and cold, struggling to score goals consistently.
The same has been the case in the ongoing campaign, with Morata scoring only seven goals and providing three assists in 23 appearances across all competitions thus far. However, despite his inconsistent displays, the 29-year-old remains a highly sought-after player in the transfer market, as illustrated by the interest from Barcelona.
Because of Sergio Aguero’s premature retirement, the Catalan giants have been forced to dip their toes in the transfer market for a striker in the January transfer window. The former Argentina striker was considered a short-term offensive solution for Barcelona but has had to hang up his boots due to a heart condition that prevents him from taking the field again.
Aguero’s retirement has left Xavi bereft of quality options to spearhead his team’s attacking unit. As a result, Barcelona must invest in a striker in the ongoing transfer window, with Morata recently emerging as a viable target.
However, widespread reports had suggested that Atletico Madrid might oppose the idea of loaning the 29-year-old to their direct rivals. But that does not seem to be the case, as Barcelona and Atletico Madrid have reached an agreement over an 18-month loan deal, including an option to buy Morata permanently.
In addition, Barcelona and Juventus have also agreed to transfer the loan deal for the next six months. Personal terms do not seem to be a problem, so it is only a matter of time before Morata joins Barcelona for an 18-month stint. The report even suggests that Xavi expects the Spanish international to be available for next week’s Spanish Super Cup. However, it remains to be seen if Barcelona can clinch the deal by then.
