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Chelsea transfer news: Alvaro Morata makes call on his future amid Barcelona links
CHELSEA striker Alvaro Morata wants to join AC Milan, according to reports in Italy.
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It was claimed earlier this week that the Blues would be willing to loan out their misfiring forward in January.
The Spaniard has scored just five league goals this season and struggled to command a regular place in the starting XI.
According to Italian daily Calciomercato, Milan is Morata’s preferred destination.
However, it’s suggested the Serie A side’s complicated financial situation could scupper Morata’s dream move.
Alvaro Morata has struggled at Chelsea
The 26-year-old knows Serie A well having previously spent two years at Juventus.
Barcelona have also been linked with a raid.
The Catalans are eyeing alternative options to Luis Suarez who has sustained a knee injury.
Suarez is sidelined for only two weeks after receiving stem cell treatment for the ailment.
Barca, however, are considering considering other strikers in case he doesn’t recover fully.
RAC1 indicate meetings have been held regarding a potential Barca swoop for Morata who is said to be "not happy".
Nevertheless, a deal is more likely to go through next summer than during the January transfer window.
To make matters worse for Morata, the Blues have also been linked with other talented forwards.
A swoop for prolific Inter Milan forward Mauro Icardi remains a possibility.
ESPN FC pundit Paul Mariner says Icardi would be a clear upgrade on the strikers Chelsea already have.
“We’ve banded on about Morata, I think what Chelsea are doing is they are exploring their options,” Mariner said.
“Can they get Icardi? Will they want to sell him? I wouldn’t want to sell him.
“So would it be a good move? I’m not quite sure.
“Sarri knows way better than I do whether he would fit into Chelsea and fit into the Premier League.
“He’s a goalscorer, he puts the ball in the back off the net for fun.
“So, I like Morata, I’ve been banging the drum for him.
“But I’m going to say that would be a good move for Chelsea.”