Transfer Talk: Why Atleti forward Morata may move on from Madrid

Alvaro Morata could be on the move this summer.

The 30-year-old marksman netted 15 goals for Atletico Madrid last season but only has one year remaining on his current contract.

That may prompt Los Colchoneros to cash in on Morata, despite him reportedly turning down a big-money switch to Saudi Arabian outfit Al-Taawoun.

As Spain prepare for tonight's Nations League final against Croatia, we consider why La Roja's frontman is set to be a man in demand.

Fox in the box

Atletico's impressive form in the second half of last term saw them finish third in LaLiga, with Morata spearheading their attack.

The Madrid native was the archetypal fox in the box, scoring 12 of his 13 league goals from inside the area.

But Morata is not simply a poacher.

He is also effective with the ball at his feet — completing 20 take-ons from 36 attempts and drawing 19 fouls in the attacking third.

And only five LaLiga players won more free-kicks for their team in dangerous areas.

Italian chase

While Morata is believed to have rebuffed Al-Taawoun's efforts to sign him, a move may still be on the horizon.

Reports suggest that a number of Italian clubs — including Juventus, AC Milan and Roma — would be keen on securing the striker's signature.

But the experienced frontman may also extend his time in the Spanish capital, despite receiving plenty of criticism during his time with Atleti.

That does not appear to factor into Morata's thinking, though, as he alluded to back in December.

He said: "What worries me is doing my job well. I am only interested in being valued and respected in the national team and in Atleti, which is my team."

Model centre forward

Morata's all-round game is particularly notable.

He is constantly looking to find a team-mate when on the ball in tight spaces, attempting 52 flick-ons last term — the fifth-most in LaLiga.

Atleti's No19 also battles hard to gain possession and won 52.35% of his ground duels, which was the second-best record among strikers in the division.

Staying put

While Morata's future is in question, Atleti boss Diego Simeone believes this summer will be one of little change for the club.

He said: "We have a general plan to focus on what we have been doing well in these last six months. 

"We are finishing a season where the team has shown personality on top of collective work to defend and attack.

"We are not going to change much, from what we have to what is going to come.

"Hopefully what comes will help us to take another step in the right direction, which we have done in the last six months."

It will be intriguing to see if that approach changes, should Morata depart.

Croatia clash

Morata will be desperate to secure silverware with Spain in this evening's Nations League final against Croatia.

The striker is yet to lift a senior trophy with his country — and was not in the side when La Roja lost the 2020-21 Nations League final to France.

He is likely to start this evening, though, where he will hope to be the difference-maker at De Kuip.