In Focus: Misfiring Morata faces a summer of uncertainty

Alvaro Morata’s Juventus spell has started to turn sour.

And things only seem to be about to get worse following the arrival of Dusan Vlahovic, with his presence further hindering the Atletico Madrid loanee’s chances of rediscovering his shooting boots.

In a World Cup year, the Spain striker needs to do just that — although it might take a summer move to get him back on the goal trail.

As Juve prepare to take on Villarreal in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie tonight, we assess Morata’s situation and consider what the future holds for the misfiring frontman.

A turbulent time

Morata, 29, has been on loan at Juve since September 2020, when he returned for his second spell at the club.

In 2020-21, he scored a solid 20 goals in all competitions — doing so for only the second time in his career — and he began this season encouragingly, bagging three in his first five appearances.

But his form has drastically tailed off. 

It took him another 15 games to double that tally and he is currently on a barren run of one goal in 11, failing to find the net in the league since mid-December.

Falling victim to Vlahovic

Juve won the race to sign Vlahovic from Fiorentina last month — and Morata has found himself moved out of position to accommodate him.

The Serb, 22, has not scored since netting on his debut against Verona. But the fact a three-match goal drought is his longest all season tells you everything you need to know about how prolific he is.

Barring injury or a truly dramatic dip in form, the Bianconeri’s No7 will not be giving up his centre-forward role.

Still in Turin

Morata reportedly discussed joining Barcelona last month, before Juve boss Max Allegri persuaded him to remain in Turin.

Speaking about that decision, he said: "Allegri was crucial. I’ve always felt his support.

"He knows my qualities and my shortcomings. He told me that he trusted me — now I must fight and repay his trust."

That show of faith from the Italian tactician suggests a summer departure may not be a foregone conclusion after all.

Moving on

Juve have the option to make Morata’s loan deal permanent but it currently feels more likely that he will head elsewhere.

The time may well have come for the 50-cap international to move away from Italy — and it could work in his favour to make a new start.

Arsenal are one club who have been strongly linked with a move for the former Chelsea and Real Madrid man.

With Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang having left for Barcelona and Alexandre Lacazette set to depart at the end of the season, there could certainly be a vacancy up front at the Emirates.

International intentions

Ostensibly still his country’s main centre-forward, Morata will be determined to keep his place for the winter World Cup in Qatar.

He made his major tournament bow at Euro 2016 before featuring again at Euro 2020 — leading the line and scoring three goals as La Roja reached the semi-finals, where he missed a penalty in the shootout defeat to Italy.

And given he will be 33 by the 2026 World Cup, this year’s tournament may represent Morata’s last chance of featuring on the biggest stage of all.

With that in mind, any move he makes this summer might just be the most important of his career.