As links between Barcelona and Alvaro Morata strengthen, reports have emerged from Juventus’ end of their disapproval of receiving Memphis Depay as part of the transfer.
According to reports via Football-Italia, Bianconeri coach Massimiliano Allegri wants a traditional in-the-box striker in his ranks and Depay does not fit the bill. Barcelona are said to have offered the Dutchman in an exchange deal.
Depay can operate in the box but his style of play i.e. attacking from the wings and even behind the main striker as a ‘trequartista’, does not meet Allegri’s current requirements. Moreover, the manager is unconvinced by the Dutch forward’s form and injury record.
Juventus signed Morata on a two-year loan deal from Atletico Madrid in September 2020, with the option to buy for €35m in June 2022. However, the Turin giants will not pursue the deal, given the mutual agreement to part ways between the two parties. The Italians are still in search of Morata’s replacement.
He is said to have agreed personal terms of an 18-month contract with Barcelona and the Spanish club are only left with having to agree a transfer deal with Juventus.
Nevertheless, it is his parent club Atletico Madrid whose stance is not yet known.
Il sì di #Morata al #Barça è totale: 18 mesi di contratto garantiti. La palla passa ora alla #Juve che, ovviamente, per liberare il centravanti spagnolo deve prima trovare un sostituto ??? @Goalitalia
— Romeo Agresti (@romeoagresti) December 31, 2021
In case an agreement materializes soon enough between Barcelona, Atletico Madrid and Juventus, Morata will become the Blaugrana’s second signing of the winter season – after onboarding Ferran Torres from Manchester City.
Morata has scored 7 goals in 23 appearances for Juve this season.