Record-time Italian champions Juventus are no longer the only candidates to sign out-of-favour Atletico Madrid forward Alvaro Morata. According to TUTTOmercatoWEB, Manchester United have added the Spaniard to their list of targets.
A stuttering start to the new Premier League season has seen new manager Erik ten Hag request come under mounting scrutiny only two matchdays into the 2022/23 campaign. The Red Devils have lost both league matches to sub-par rivals Brighton and Brentford by an aggregate score of 6-1.
Without an out-and-out striker to lead the line, ten Hag’s men struggled for conviction, with wantaway superstar Cristiano Ronaldo seemingly not interested in wearing the red jersey anymore. After the departure of Edinson Cavani, Man Utd risk contesting the entire 2022/23 season without a dependable frontman.
Ten Hag reportedly sees Morata as a potential solution to his problems. The uncertainty surrounding Ronaldo’s future at Old Trafford only amplifies Man Utd’s desire to pip Juventus to the 29-year-old’s signature. But the Italians are reluctant to walk over.
Morata flourished at Juventus during his two-year loan spell between 2020-2022. However, the club failed to trigger a substantial €35m buyout clause earlier in the summer. Instead, the ex-Chelsea flop returned to the Wanda Metropolitano, only to notch up a hat-trick against Massimiliano Allegri’s side in a 4-0 pre-season thumping.
After showing why Juventus have to reopen talks with Atletico over his immediate return to Serie A, Morata is waiting for the Italians’ response. Man Utd’s interference in the race could speed up negotiations between the La Liga powerhouse and the Bianconeri.
Morata played a significant role in Massimiliano Allegri’s set-up last season. Now the Italian manager wants him back, with Juventus trying to drive down the price.