Assessing Alvaro Morata’s options if he leaves Real Madrid

On the 21st of June Real Madrid re-signed Alvaro Morata after exercising their €30m buy back clause in what was a transfer expected by many. Morata had spent two seasons in Turin and although his goalscoring statistics were not the greatest, he certainly developed as a player and became known for his big-game performances. Throughout the past couple of months there have been strong rumours that he would be sold on for a large profit. Here are his Premier League options (according to the papers!)…

Arsenal

The majority of Arsenal fans would jump at the chance to sign Morata given their current striker situation. Although he consistently scores goals, it’s fair to say that a large portion of Arsenal fans would want to see Olivier Giroud replaced as their #1 striker.

Arsenal have not won the Premier League since the 03/04 season and with the likes of former Madrista Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez in the team, at their peak, they need a top striker to convert the multiple chances they create. After failing to secure the signings of Gonzalo Higuain, Luis Suarez and most recently Jamie Vardy, could Morata be the striker that their fans have longed for?

Manchester United

Yes, I do know that they have just signed Zlatan Ibrahimovic but let’s not forget that it’s only a one-year deal. Wayne Rooney is not getting any younger and as Marcus Rashford is only 18 years old, they need a striker with experience after the departure of Ibrahimovic.

Jose Mourinho handed Morata his debut at Real Madrid and Morata recently stated that he will be ‘grateful to him (Mourinho) for the rest of my life’. Despite the fact that he will not be a guaranteed starter with Ibrahimovic at the club, this may be the safest option for Morata. Mourinho knows him well, Morata understands how Mourinho wants to play and the project at Manchester United is exciting to say the least.

Chelsea

Antonio Conte left Juventus only four days before they announced the signing of Morata thus he never actually managed him but as with all transfers, the groundwork for the deal must have been done whilst Conte was at the club. It’s clear that the Chelsea manager rates him and with rumours that Diego Costa is on his way back to Atletico Madrid, could we see Morata play in blue next season?

Chelsea did sign 22 year old Michy Batshuayi earlier this month for a reported £33m (BBC) but Conte usually plays a 3-5-2 formation meaning that there is space for one more striker. Conte is known for his ability to make his players, regardless of their ability, play at a high level through his tactical intelligence. Should Morata move to Chelsea he will undoubtedly keep on improving.