Barca leads in Morata chase

-Ikenna Okafor

Alvaro Morata is waiting for a move to Barcelona this summer, despite a ‘proposal’ from Arsenal. Tottenham and Newcastle have also been linked with the Atletico Madrid striker in recent weeks.Morata, 29, has spent the last two seasons on loan at Juventus. The Spain star has been excellent for the Old Lady, producing a huge 53 goal involvements – scoring 32 and creating 21 more.

Juventus have the option to make the deal permanent, but reports on Wednesday claim that they are negotiating a lower fee than the pre-agreed £30million. Tottenham, Arsenal and Newcastle are all keeping tabs.

Now,some reports are sayin that Morata himself would prefer a surprise move to Barcelona – despite being an ex-Real Madrid player. Juventus are still in talks with Atleti over reducing his fee, while Arsenal have made a ‘proposal’.

Where is his best move? Barcelona would certainly see Morata have a chance of being first choice – alongside Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. But Barca’s main priority is Robert Lewandowski, if they can afford a deal.

Meanwhile, Arsenal desperately need a striker and have seen a bid rejected – worth £43million – for Gabriel Jesus. Tottenham need cover for Harry Kane and Juventus need back-up to Dusan Vlahovic, with Paulo Dybala going.

Newcastle have Callum Wilson and Chris Wood, while Hugo Ekitike is likely to sign. Morata is better than all three but they lack any European football. Arsenal might be his best option, this summer.