Juventus the final hurdle between Barcelona and Morata

Barcelona and Morata have reportedly agreed on personal terms

On the day Barcelona presented new signing Ferran Torres to supporters at the Camp Nou, news began trickling out on another transfer target, Alvaro Morata.

The former Real Madrid player was requested by Xavi to fill the void Barcelona have had at striker since before they sold Luis Suarez to Atletico Madrid. Though reports suggest a deal is imminent, in reality, nothing is close and, in fact, a possible deal could end up fizzling out.

According to Sport, Atletico Madrid, Morata’s parent club, has given the OK for their player to join the Catalan side. However, they’ve yet to get the go-ahead from his current club, Juventus, and are unlikely to get it.

That’s because Juventus do not want to get rid of their striker before finding a suitable replacement. They’ve met with the Spanish striker to inform him of their plans which has planted serious pessimism in Morata a deal can be reached.

The Italian giants are not expected to exercise their purchase option and unless something drastic changes, Morata is set to go back to Atletico Madrid come the end of the season.

Despite his Real Madrid history, Morata would welcome a move to Barcelona where he could be reunited with a number of his teammates from the national team. But unless Juventus manage to find a replacement before the window closes, he seems to be stuck in Italy.

Barcelona’s intention, according to Marca, is to get him on a loan and then sign him at the end of the season at a reduced price. They’re likely to use Antoine Griezmann and his fee as a bargaining chip.

If the club is serious, the delay could actually be a silver lining as Barcelona still need to offload a number of players to make room in the wage bill. It’s something they need to do regardless if they want to register Torres.

Morata has flattered to deceive everywhere he’s been. He struggled at Real Madrid, had a decent spell his first time with Juventus, struggled at Chelsea and has had his share of ups and downs in his second stint with the “Old Lady.”

But Xavi sees something in him and believes he’d fit in well in his system.

With the winter transfer window barely open, plenty can happen between now and the end of the month. Barça is only one point back of fourth place Atletico Madrid and Morata could be a significant addition in the race to reach the top four and qualify for Champions League next season.