Juventus are now keen to hold fresh negotiations with Atletico Madrid to significantly slash the fee owed to buy Arsenal target Alvaro Morata come the next summer transfer window.
That’s according to Calciomercato, who report the Bianconeri have long accepted the price agreed with Atleti for Morata is unrealistic. The Serie A and La Liga sides settled on a €35m (£29m) fee for the Spaniard in 2020 as part of a two-season loan switch for the 29-year-old.
Morata has been a mainstay of the unit at the Allianz Stadium since returning to Turin after four-years away. But over his 46 league appearances so far, he has only struck 16 goals and offered 14 assists. Just five of his goals have also come over 24 outings during this season.
Juventus were also willing to let Morata leave during the recent January transfer sales amid interest from Barcelona and Arsenal. However, Massimiliano Allegri ultimately blocked any departure and instead let Dejan Kulusevski leave, and is now using Morata as a left-winger.
The Bianconeri are now reconsidering Morata’s long-term future in black-and-white, given the forward’s purchase clause. Allianz Stadium chiefs will only entertain a permanent move if the Colchoneros lower the fee to €15m (£12.5m), rising to €20m (£17m) after all add-ons.
Juventus to open door for Arsenal transfer if Atletico snub Morata terms
Juventus asking to slash £17m off the initial sum for Morata’s transfer from Atletico Madrid could re-open the door for Arsenal to swoop this summer should Mikel Arteta remain keen.
The Gunners must target centre-forwards in the off-season with Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah both out of contract. They have also released Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, to possibly leave 20-year-old Folarin Balogun as their only recognised option next term.
Morata is currently on Arsenal’s shortlist for summer transfers, per Niccolo Ceccarini, given Juventus are unwilling to pay the fee previously agreed with Atletico Madrid for the striker. The Times also reported he was interested in moving to the Emirates Stadium last month.
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