Among other latest transfer rumours coming out of Camp Nou, Barcelona want to replace Memphis Depay with Alvaro Morata imminently.
Indeed, they have already made contact with Alvaro Morata’s entourage, we can confirm.
The Blaugrana are keen to take over the final six months of the striker’s loan at Juventus. And they are even willing to sell, rather exchange, Memphis Depay to the Serie A side to sweeten the deal.
Morata’s time in Italy is coming to an end as Juve have no intention of making his loan deal permanent. They won’t be exercising their right to purchase the striker outright for €35 million (£29m/$40m) from parent club Atletico Madrid.
Barcelona Want to Replace Memphis Depay with Alvaro Morata
So, Alvaro Morata’s potential availability at the end of the season has not gone unnoticed at Camp Nou. In fact, new boss Xavi is keen to add a tried-and-tested number nine to his own ranks.
Members of Barca’s hierarchy have contacted Morata’s representatives in order to gauge interest in a return to his home country. He left Spain for Italy since he was went on loan to Juventus last year.
Having succeeded Ronald Koeman in charge, Xavi is looking to course-correct the club’s season. The Blaugrana – much like Juve – are caught in something of a rut, after all. and a traditional striker can be an integral part of a club’s transition in reclaimed success.
Such is the pressing urgency for a striker, indeed, that the club are hoping that they may be able to convince the Bianconeri to part ways with Morata midway through the season and they are even trying to use Memphis Depay – who has struggled to fully deliver on his promise at the Catalan outfit – as a bargaining chip.
The Old Lady, however, remain unconvinced by Netherlands international Depay.
Juventus have doubts over his physical state, with Depay missing from action on a thigh muscle injury since early December.
Furthermore, the Bianconeri are only loaning Morata, who has a permanent contract with Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid through to 2023. This means Barca would also have to reach an agreement with their rivals before completing a move to Camp Nou.
So, these complications present a barrier to any potential deal between the three clubs before the January transfer window ends.
