Atletico Madrid have now increased their asking price for Alvaro Morata, given the limited days left of the summer sales, amid transfer interest from Arsenal and Manchester United.
Atletico Madrid raise Alvaro Morata price tag amid Arsenal, Man Utd interest
According to AS, Atletico Madrid will now only consider selling Alvaro Morata in the event of a ‘dizzying offer’. The forward’s future appeared set to be away from the Metropolitano after returning to Spain from his 18-month loan spell with Juventus, but has regained a key role.
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Morata produced a stellar pre-season to force his way back into Diego Simeone’s plans, as Juventus failed to secure his permanent transfer. The Bianconeri had coveted his return to Turin, but the Colchoneros baulked at their attempts to reduce his €35m (£29.5m) value.
Juventus offered an array of solutions, including deferred payments and players, but their pursuit ended unsuccessfully. Atletico Madrid could hold strong in their valuation, knowing Tottenham Hotspur, Newcastle United and Manchester United were interested in Morata.
But a chance to return to the Premier League, where he proved disappointing with Chelsea from 2017 to 2019, did not appeal to the 29-year-old. And he is still determined to stay at Atletico Madrid, who are increasingly reluctant to sell with deadline day starting to near.
It would now take a ‘dizzying’ bid in the region of €60-70m (£50.5-59m) for Metropolitano chiefs to consider cashing in. Morata is once again a leading attacker at Atletico Madrid as the La Liga side could not find an affordable alternative, so plan to stick with the Spaniard.
Manchester United have explored late window switch in recent days
Manchester United and Juventus approached Atletico Madrid in recent days to re-evaluate their interest in Morata’s switch. The Red Devils were insistent on a deal while Erik ten Hag targets new forwards. But the fresh discussions saw the Colchoneros issue their new price.
An increased valuation adds another hurdle into Manchester United’s late-window pursuit, which has featured rival interest from Arsenal this summer. TuttoMercatoWEB noted that the Gunners made Morata an offer to return to England in June whilst he spoke with Juventus.
Arsenal, like Manchester United, have been interested in Morata’s transfer from Atletico Madrid as Mikel Arteta sought new attackers. The 56-cap Spain star – who Antonio Conte called ‘complete’ at Chelsea – has already scored two goals in one La Liga game this term.
Morata struck a brace as the Colchoneros started the 2022/23 campaign with a 3-0 win at Getafe on Monday. Simeone will now hope he sees the striker outscore his Juventus haul from last term, having struck 12 goals and hit nine assists in 48 games in all competitions.
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