Atletico Madrid striker Alvaro Morata has addressed his future amid claims that Manchester United want to sign him this summer.
United are on the hunt for more firepower and, with the transfer window coming to a close on 1 September, time is running out to bolster Erik ten Hag's ranks. Morata was not on the Red Devils' radar several months ago but has emerged as a target with Cristiano Ronaldo potentially leaving Old Trafford.
United submitted a shock bid worth around £7million earlier this month for Marko Arnautovic – who shares a personal connection with Ten Hag – but swiftly discontinued their interest following a fierce backlash from fans over previous comments made by the Austrian international. The ripping up of these plans has opened the door for a potential Morata move.
Ronaldo’s desired departure is coupled with Edinson Cavani leaving the club following the expiration of his contract and Mason Greenwood no longer being part of the first-team squad.
Morata, 29, has now emerged as a transfer target after returning to the Spanish capital following two seasons on loan at Italian giants Juventus. The Bianconeri's signing of Dusan Vlahovic in January displaced the Spaniard as the side's main striker and he has subsequently returned to Atletico.
Despite the summer exit of Luis Suarez, Atletico are well-stocked in their attacking ranks. Joao Felix, Antoine Griezmann, Angel Correa and Matheus Cunha – who has also been linked with United – are all competing for starting spots in Diego Simeone’s side.
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Speaking after netting twice in Atleti’s 3-0 opening day La Liga win at Getafe on Monday, Morata told reporters: "I really want to play here, work and play in many competitions. I'm excited to be here, as always, I can only work and run for the team in every game.
"Speculation over my future? It's what comes out in the press, I just wanted to work and work, Atletico are one of the best clubs in the world, if there's a market I can't do anything, just work, I'm happy here and I want to continue working." Morata netted 32 goals in 92 appearances at Juve but is not considered to have the ruthless goalscoring edge to establish himself as an undisputed striker at a top club. He is desperate for regular game-time ahead of this winter’s World Cup in Qatar.
Morata bagged 24 goals across a season and a half at Chelsea, who he joined in 2017 from Real Madrid – after Manchester United preferred signing Romelu Lukaku that summer. Ironically, Lukaku did end up signing for the Blues – via Inter Milan, where he is now back on loan – in 2021 while Morata is once again being linked with a move to United.
