Juventus have begun contacts with Alvaro Motata over a possible return to Turin, two years after the striker left the club.
What seemed a speculative rumour is now starting to gain traction in both the Italian and English press as reports continue to suggest that the Spanish striker is ‘nostalgic’ for the Bianconeri and Juve return the interest.
According to Gazzetta Dello Sport, the idea of Morata returning to Juventus is taking shape as the club are looking to rejuvenate the squad to give continuity to the winning cycle.
The report also suggests that Mario Mandzukic is seriously considering leaving the club this summer to continue his playing career and revert back to his preferred position as centre forward, with Beppe Marotta stating that he intends to talk to the Croatian at the end of the season to understand his future plans.
The departure of Mandzukic would lead Juve to Morata, with whom talks have been ongoing for weeks. Marotta and Fabio Paratici will speak with Chelsea and look to obtain similar conditions to those that saw Cuadrado join the club: A multi-year loan deal with an obligation to buy outright after a certain number of years.
The price tag for Morata is expected to be at least £50m and Juve would look to pay in installments however it won’t be easy to convince the English side; Juve will be reliant on Morata’s will to return to Turin.
Gazzetta go on to report that deals may also be completed for Matteo Darmian to replace the departing Stephan Lichtsteiner and Kwadwo Asamoah while Mattia Perin and Federico Marchetti are options for the goalkeeping position.
