Morata in shock link to Barcelona

Catalan radio station RAC1 is reporting that Chelsea striker Alvaro Morata has “offered himself” to Barcelona.

The striker has struggled for form in Maurizio Sarri’s new-look Chelsea team and he has been linked with a move away from the club for some months. He wants more first-team football and could be ready to move next month.

Juventus and a number of Serie A teams had been looking at Morata but talk died down after he impressed in the early weeks of the season.

As a former Real Madrid man, the idea of joining Barcelona may seem a little strange but RAC1 seem to be convinced about the story’s credibility.

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Barcelona boss Ernesto Valverde has been given the green light to make signings in January though Morata has never been mentioned as a potential target. Barca’s priorities lie elsewhere and they want more options in midfield. which is why Ajax star Frenkie De Jong has been regularly linked with a move even if PSG look to have nosed ahead in the race to sign the player.

Morata was a key player for Sarri’s predecessor Antonio Conte last season but his £60million price tag often weighed heavy round his neck. He has never looked truly happy at Stamford Bridge and this season has seven goals in 24 appearances. He has only scored more than one goal once this season – in the 3-1 win over Crystal Palace on November 4.

Last season he scored 16 goals in 49 appearances, including a hat-trick in a 4-0 win at Stoke.