Atletico Madrid are in advanced talks to sign Chelsea striker Alvaro Morata, according to Sky sources.
Chelsea would prefer a permanent deal, with the club eager to recoup as much of their investment back as possible, having signed Morata for a club-record £70m from Real Madrid less than two years ago. They value him at £45m.
Morata wants to return to Madrid, but the deal hinges on whether Chelsea can bring in a replacement. It is understood Chelsea are increasingly confident they will sign Gonzalo Higuain on loan with an option to buy.
The Spain international was not even on the substitutes' bench for Chelsea's 2-1 win over Newcastle on Saturday and was pictured in Madrid on Monday.
He has been linked with a Stamford Bridge exit after losing his place as Chelsea's first-choice striker, with Sarri preferring to utilise Eden Hazard as his main point of reference in attack.
Morata has been linked with both Sevilla and Barcelona in recent weeks but Atletico - the club where he began his youth career - now look like frontrunners for his signature.
Chelsea sold Diego Costa back to Atletico just three months after signing Morata.
But Costa has struggled to stay fit this season and has scored just one goal in 11 La Liga matches, prompting Atletico to look for another attacking option to complement Antoine Griezmann.
Chelsea are close to agreeing deal for Alvaro Morata to join Atletico Madrid on loan.
Chelsea head coach Maurizio Sarri says Morata told him a month ago he wanted to leave.
Chelsea are also in talks for Victor Moses to move on loan to Fenerbahce.
Moses has played only 26 minutes in the Premier League this season.
He helped Chelsea win the title under Antonio Conte in 2017.
羅力亞
2019-01-26 01:41
‘MORATA NOT DONE YET’
Diego Simeone has declined to be drawn on Alvaro Morata’s expected arrival at Atletico Madrid, saying a deal for the Chelsea striker is “not done yet”.
"Beyond all the wonderful words you have been saying, there is nothing done. What matters is what it is done.
"We are who we are here and we have to be smart approaching tomorrow's game. And if, finally, Morata's transfer becomes something real, I will speak on my thoughts."
Morata is set to join on loan from Chelsea.
羅力亞
2019-01-26 23:43
ATLETICO SEEK MORATA RESOLUTION
Atletico Madrid are still awaiting the arrival of Alvaro Morata, according to Spanish outlet AS.
It was thought that the Chelsea striker would make his move once Gonzalo Higuain had joined the London club, but nothing has been finalised.
Atletico will have to make do with just 13 fit first-team players against Getafe this weekend.
羅力亞
2019-01-27 12:24
Álvaro Morata has just arrived in Madrid to sign as new Átletico player. His contract has been signed. Loan + buy option around ?50M agreed with Chelsea. Here we go! 🇪🇸 #CFC #Atleti #Chelsea
🔴⚪🔴 #WelcomeMorata! Agreement with @ChelseaFC over the loan of @AlvaroMorata for the remainder of the current season and the next one. FULL STORY ➡ https://bit.ly/2sUMuT3 #AúpaAtleti