Alvaro Morata to Barcelona: The Spanish forward has been linked with a stunning move to the Catalan side.
The Chelsea forward has had a difficult time since joining the Stamford Bridge side last summer. Alvaro Morata came to Chelsea from Real Madrid, and scored 11 league goals in his 31 appearances in the first season.
In the current season, Morata has scored 7 goals in 21 games across all competitions. According to Calciomercato, the striker has grown increasingly frustrated with his time in London.
He has now been linked with a move to Barcelona. However, it has also been reported that Maurizio Sarri will only allow him to leave if a replacement is sought, as his departure leaves Chelsea with Olivier Giroud as the sole senior striker.
Barcelona’s defender Jordi Alba, meanwhile, has talked about the rumours linking Morata with a move to the club.
Alvaro Morata to Barcelona:
Jordi Alba has stated that Morata ‘would be welcome’ at Barcelona.
“Morata is a player that I appreciate a lot, he has been a top player for many years,” Jordi Alba said.
The defender has played with Alvaro Morata during their time with Spanish national team.
Barcelona left-back Jordi Alba says 26-year-old Chelsea striker Alvaro Morata – a team-mate with Spain – would be very welcome at the Nou Camp.
But Barca and Alba are still not close to sorting out a new deal, with the 29-year-old’s contract expiring at the end of the season.
— 🕊️prəˈlɪf·ɪk™🕊️ (@Prolific0901) December 14, 2018
“At the end, it’s the club’s [decision] if they want to sign him or not, as with any other player. If the rumours are true, he would be very welcome, as all the new players [are].”
Football website Goal reports that Chelsea could also be inclined towards turning to their players who are currently out on loan. It has been reported that Valencia is keen to send Michy Batshuaayi back in the January transfer window.
Chelsea are also reportedly keeping tabs on Tammy Abraham, who is out on loan at Championships side Aston Villa.
📰 [Daily Star] | Barça are ready to launch a January move for Alvaro Morata
🔶 It will likely be a 6-month loan deal until the end of the season pic.twitter.com/mv8vpzaP2I
— BarçaTimes (@BarcaTimes) December 13, 2018
Maurizio Sarri’s side is currently fourth in the Premier League, after they registered an impressive 2-0 victory over Guardiola’s Manchester City last weekend. Chelsea have also qualified for the round-of-32 of the Europa League.
What next?
Alvaro Morata suffered with an injury during their final group stage game of the Europa League last night, but later confirmed that the knock is not serious.
I asked #Morata about his knee injury as he limped through the mixed zone after #cfc game earlier. He winced and shook his head but didn’t provide any detail verbally. Fact he was walking unaided would suggest it is only minor. Might miss Brighton but certainly not out long-term
— Simon Johnson (@sjstandardsport) December 13, 2018
Chelsea will face Brighton in the Premier League this weekend, where they would aim to remain in the top-four with a win.
