Alvaro Morata has emerged as a shock target for Barcelona, according to reports in The Mirror.
The Chelsea forward has failed to recreate the form that saw the Blues’ splash out around £60 million for his signature since moving to England, and it is believed that his agents are seeking a way out of his underwhelming stay in the capital.
According to reports, the Spaniard’s representatives have approached the Catalan giants over the possibility of a January move to Camp Nou.
The La Liga leaders are thought to be looking to bring in cover for Luis Suarez, who is undergoing stem-cell treatment on a knee problem and could be out for the remainder of the season.
Any deal struck in January would likely be a loan until the end of the season, with an option to buy after that.
Good move for Chelsea?
The Blues aren’t bless with an abundance of options in attack. Morata has struggled for form this season but still shows flashes of his capabilities, whole Olivier Giroud isn’t reliable enough to be given the sole responsibility of firing Chelsea to a title challenge. Michi Batshuayi is on loan at Valencia and has looked impressive, but the fact that he was sent out in the first place would suggest that Maurizio Sarri is not overly keen on the Belgian. If Morata could be moved on and a suitable replacement found then it could be a positive move for the Blues, but the chances of that happening in January, especially without the funds of a permanent transfer fee, are minimal.
This is Futbol rating: 2/10
Likely to happen?
Chelsea fans would hope that the board would have more sense than to leave Sarri shorthanded up front, especially with a potential run in the Europa League on the horizon. There has been talk of bringing in another forward – Marko Arnautovic or Richarlison are amongst the names being churned through the rumour mill – but neither of these feel like dead certs, especially this winter. If an alternative can be found then sure, Morata could end up back in Spain, but right now, with prospects looking thin on the ground, this seems like a real long shot.
This is Futbol rating: 3/10