Morata To Complete Atletico Madrid Loan Move Today

Chelsea striker Alvaro Morata is expected to finalise his transfer to Spanish La Liga giants Atletico Madrid before the end of Friday.

Spanish newspaper AS revealed that the Blues’ signing of Gonzalo Higuain has paved the way for Morata to join Atletico Madrid.

The Spanish international striker will join the Rojiblancos on a short-term loan that will last until the end of the season with the option to make the transfer a permanent one for £48.5m this summer.

This represents a potential £16.5m loss for Chelsea on Alvaro Morata whom they signed from Champions League holders Real Madrid for £65m at the start of last season.

The former Juventus attacker is making a return to Atletico Madrid where he started his youth career.

Morata, 26, spent two years at Atletico Madrid between 2005 and 2007 before joining city rivals Getafe.

He went on to sign for European champions Real Madrid where he made his professional debut.

The Spaniard was the most expensive signing in the history of Chelsea until the Blues splashed £71m on compatriot Kepa Arribazalaga at the start of this season.

Chelsea activated the goalkeeper’s release clause with Spanish La Liga outfit Athletic Bilbao shortly after the exit of former first-choice shot stopper Thibaut Courtois.