Juventus youngster Alvaro Morata professed his love for Turin and Italy in a recent press conference, but suggested that the decision regarding his future would not be his alone.
The Spaniard has been heavily linked with a return to Real Madrid in the upcoming transfer window, both due to a dearth of strikers at the Santiago Bernabeu as well as the promise he has shown at Juventus. However, the Daily Mail ran a story on the 23rd of March claiming Real Madrid could activate the buyback clause of €30 million, only to sell him to Arsenal for a substantial profit.
Sky Italia also reported in the past week that Morata could well be on his way to the Premier League after initially returning to his boyhood club.
Morata, along with Isco, was the breakout star of the U21 European Championships in 2013, where he managed to win the golden boot with his four goals in the tournament. Spain won the final against Italy, the country which was soon to become the young striker’s home after he failed to make an impression for Real Madrid.
Morata confirmed Real Madrid buyback clause
Last year in October, Morata confirmed that the rumours regarding a Real Madrid buyback clause were true. “What the papers say about there being a buyback clause for me to go back to Real Madrid is true,” Morata told Radio Marca (via Talksport).
Ahead of Spain’s international friendly with Italy last week, Morata spoke on the subject in some detail at a press conference.
“I would like to stay at Juventus for many more years. I really would love that a lot,” said the 23-year-old.
“I can only say that it feels like home in Turin, but it’s not only my decision to make.
“I am playing for the biggest club in Italy and it would be wonderful to remain here. The affection the people have for Juventus all through the country is incredible. I love everything about Italy.”
Life after Morata
Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio reported recently that Juventus director Fabio Paratici held a meeting with agent Mino Raiola to discuss a possible transfer for Everton’s Romelu Lukaku (via David Amoyal).
However, Raiola has warned Juventus that the deal would be a very expensive one — in terms of the transfer fee as well as wages. As such, a much more viable alternative for Juventus would be wantaway PSG hitman Edinson Cavani.
Juventus would find it difficult to replace Morata, who has the right set of attributes to complement the other three strikers Juve have on their roster — Paulo Dybala, Mario Mandzukic and Simone Zaza. Unfortunately for the Bianconeri, they will have very little say in the matter should Real Madrid choose to activate their buyback clause; the Serie A champions may well have to rely on Morata’s willingness to stay.
