Barcelona in surprise last-minute Morata swoop, and what it means for Antoine Griezmann

Spanish giants Barcelona have opened talks with La Liga rivals Atletico Madrid, over the signing of a key member of the club’s frontline.

The player in the sights of the Blaugrana ahead of the fast-approaching transfer deadline? Alvaro Morata.

With Martin Braithwaite having finally terminated his contract at the Camp Nou, and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang primed to join Chelsea, Xavi Hernandez and co. have evidently come to the conclusion that the club’s frontline is now in need of fresh blood.

And Morata, hotly tipped for a Barca switch earlier in the summer, has evidently been identified as the ideal solution.

In turn, as per Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, negotiations have been opened between the respective boards in Catalunya and Madrid, in an attempt to thrash out a last-minute agreement.

An altogether complex deal is being discussed, which would see Morata link up with the Blaugrana on loan for the season ahead, with an option to buy next summer.

The option in question, though, would not come in the form of cash, but instead Atletico being afforded the opportunity to make their own temporary deal for Antoine Griezmann permanent.

The capital giants would not be forced to take up their €40 million buy clause on the French international, with a direct swap instead potentially on the cards between Griezmann and Morata.

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