Arsenal have suffered a big blow to Mikel Arteta’s reported chase of Alvaro Morata, as the Atletico Madrid ace has reiterated to his agent he wants a permanent transfer to Juventus.
That’s according to TuttoMercatoWEB, who report the striker’s future with the Bianconeri remains uncertain past his loan spell. Morata returned to Turin in 2020 on a two-year deal with a buy option. But the Serie A side are asking for a discount on the price they agreed.
Juventus are determined not to spend more than €20m (£16.5m) to retain the 29-year-old in the summer. But Atletico Madrid want at least €30m (£25m), having set his price at €30-35m (£25-29m) amid a rival approach from Barcelona during the recent January window.
The Old Lady may increase their total bid with future add-ons, but are loath to up the first payment due. Yet Atletico are currently unwilling to offer discounts, given the interest he has from elsewhere. Even though Morata would have no future back in Madrid next term.
Morata shares Juventus’ desire for a permanent transfer as he longs to build his personal and professional future in Turin. The 52-cap ace has echoed his wish to stay at the Allianz Stadium to his agent several times, having enjoyed continuity under Massimiliano Allegri.
The Madrid-born forward’s agent is now helping to smooth negotiations between Atletico and Juventus over a potential deal. His contract at the Wanda Metropolitano expiring next year may also help the Bianconeri’s efforts. But the saga is set to rumble on for a while yet.
Arsenal target Morata reiterates to agent he wants Juventus stay after loan ends
Morata reiterating to his agent a desire to stay with Juventus beyond his loan from Atletico Madrid will come as a blow for Arteta as he eyes striker transfers for Arsenal this summer.
Italian journalist Niccolo Ceccarini has claimed the Gunners are ‘strongly interested’ in the Spaniard’s situation. Arsenal also chased Morata’s transfer in January, with The Times also noting the Atletico Madrid loanee was open to joining if he left Juventus in mid-season.
The forward faced an uncertain presence under Allegri after Dusan Vlahovic’s arrival from Fiorentina. Yet Morata has retained a key role in the Old Lady frontline, to reach 11 goals and seven assists for the season so far across 41 appearances in all competitions to date.
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