Alvaro Morata could join Barcelona on loan, but only if Denis Suarez joins Arsenal

The Spanish champions are looking to bolster their attacking line and provide cover for hitman Luis Suarez

Posted Saturday, January 12, 2019 by Thesun.co.uk

ALVARO MORATA could be set for an incredible return to La Liga with Spanish champions Barcelona reportedly the latest team interested in the Chelsea flop.

Morata looks set to leave Chelsea just one season after he arrived from Real Madrid last summer in a deal worth ￡60million.

According to Spanish outlet SPORT, Barcelona are looking to bolster their attacking line and provide cover for hitman Luis Suarez, who has scored 12 times in 17 league matches this season.

However, Morata’s surprising move back to La Liga hinges on attacking midfielder Denis Suarez moving to London.

Suarez has been subject to interest from Arsenal, though the Gunners are not willing to pay the ￡10m asking price for the 25-year-old.

Instead, Emirates boss Unai Emery will look to loan in Suarez, though that does not suit Barcelona or Morata, who could only make the shock Nou Camp move if funds were made through sales.

Barcelona can only look to bring ex-Real Madrid forward Morata in if there are departures as the La Liga leaders are up to their limit in wages.

Morata has also attracted the attention of Sevilla and Atletico Madrid who would look to take the striker out on loan.

Reports claim the 26-year-old has held talks with Atletico with a deal suiting the Spaniard as he still has friends and family in Madrid having spent five seasons in Spain’s top flight.

Seville club's director of football Joaquin Caparros confirmed their interest in the the striker but claimed Chelsea are "difficult to negotiate with".

Morata’s departure could only be sanctioned if Chelsea find a striking replacement, with a host of names being suggested.

Gonzalo Higuain, currently out on loan with AC Milan, is thought to be the Blues No1 target with the Argentine having scored a record 36 league goals with Napoli under current Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri.

Former Juventus striker Morata could find himself back in Serie A covering for Higuain's departure at Milan.

Higuain’s brother and agent was said to be in London meeting with Stamford Bridge chiefs but Bournemouth ace Callum Wilson is also a ￡50m target for the Blues.

Chelsea have also been handed back Michy Batshuayi, who saw his loan move with Valencia cut short having netted just three times in 23 games.
Despite Chelsea’s striking crisis, it is understood Sarri will loan Batshuayi back out again with Everton keen on the Belgian forward.