AC Milan have a plan in place to facilitate their summer chase for Atletico Madrid striker Alvaro Morata, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport.
Milan are in the market for a long-term successor to Olivier Giroud and club legend Zlatan Ibrahimovic who are in the latter stages of their glittering careers.
The Rossoneri have several names on their shortlist, including Eintracht Frankfurt’s Randal Kolo Muani, RB Salzburg’s Noah Okafor and Boca Juniors’ Mateo Retegui.
However, considering they do not have pockets deep enough to fund moves for some of their primary targets, the club have turned to Morata.
Atletico will reportedly demand around €20 million for the former Chelsea man, but Milan have a plan in place to raise funds for the player’s transfer.
The Italian giants will look to offload Ante Rebic, whose contract runs until 2025 and has a market value of €10m, and left back Fode Ballo-Toure who is valued at around €5m.
If Milan can sell those two players, they should have enough to fund a move for Morata, although it remains to be seen if Atletico will be tempted to sell for that price.
Having spent the last two campaigns at Juventus, Morata returned to Wanda Metropoiltano and has proven to be a reliable outlet in attack for Diego Simeone’s side.
However, since Memphis Depay arrived at the Spanish capital in January, the Spanish forward has been forced to play second-fiddle to the Dutchman.
Despite his reduced game time, Morata has taken to his new role with aplomb, proving decisive with three goals and an assist in Atletico’s last three games before the international break.
Morata is reportedly happy at Atletico despite being the second-choice striker, so it remains to be seen if he will be tempted by a return to the Italian top-flight with Milan, who may face competition from rivals Juventus.
Having earned a place and been appointed captain of the national side by new manager Luis de la Fuente, Morata started in Saturday’s 3-0 success over Norway but was not on the score sheet.
