Morata: Atlético Madrid set to seal 18-month loan deal
Former Real Madrid striker Álvaro Morata was due to arrive in Spain on Saturday night ahead of a loan move from Chelsea to Atlético Madrid.
Álvaro Morata's January switch to Atlético Madrid is on the verge of completion, with the Chelsea striker set to join on an 18-month loan.
After more than two weeks of negotiations over a deal that has had to wait for other transfers to fall into place (Krzysztof Piatek to AC Milan, Gonzalo Higuaín to Chelsea, Gelson Martins to Monaco...), Morata was due to arrive in Madrid on Saturday night to seal the move.
Under the terms of the temporary transfer, it is understood that the Blues can recall the former Real Madrid player at the end of this season - but not to loan or sell him to another club - and Atlético can block his return to West London by making his stay at the Wanda Metropolitano permanent.
Morata to have Atlético medical on Sunday
Morata is expected to undergo a medical on Sunday, before signing on at Atlético on Monday. Although coach Diego Simeone was again reluctant to discuss the 26-year-old after Saturday's 2-0 win over Getafe, the club's fans offered their verdict on his signing during the LaLiga clash, while veiled comments by some of his future team-mates have appeared to welcome his arrival.
Atlético also working to offload players
In a bid to avoid breaching financial-fair-play regulations by recruiting Morata, meanwhile, Atlético are also working to get other players off their wage bill, with Nikola Kalinic and Jonny Otto - who is currently on loan at Wolverhampton Wanderers - tipped to follow Gelson out of the door.
