Xavi desperate to bring ex-Real Madrid star to Barcelona

Jacque Talbot

• Updated: 11 Mar 2023 19:00 GMT
• 3 min read

Barcelona boss Xavi has hopes of bringing in Alvaro Morata to the club this summer window.

The Spaniard is looking to bring in an experienced attacker to act as an alternative to Robert Lewandowski, reports Fichajes.

The 30-year-old scored twice off the bench against Sevilla last weekend but is out of sorts and is not being selected by Diego Simeone in recent games.

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Morata has registered just nine La Liga goals in 24 appearances this season, and despite his former links to Los Blancos, Xavi seemingly sees him as a viable option.

Jaun Laporta has stated that a forward will be brought in to cover for the exit of Memphis Depay in January after the attacker joined Atletico Madrid on a permanent deal.

While Depay's arrival at Atlético has become a real threat for Morata's positon at the club, details the report, which also says that the club may look to get rid of the Spaniard.

The forward had reached out to Xavi when he was playing in Juventus, but the club ended up bringing in Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang from Arsenal.

Barcelona must reduce their wage bill by €200m ahead of next season to abide by La Liga rules - but they still wish to add in further players in the upcoming window.

It is believed that the right-back and centre-back positions are being targeted.

Tactical influence

Luis Enrique, who was Spain’s head coach in Qatar for the World, opts for a similar approach to his game to Xavi.

Morata thrived for his national side under the manager - while he has bags of La Liga experience as well.

He would have to play second fiddle to Lewandowski, though, who will still be considered the first choice next season.

Of course, finances would have to be right for Barcelona if they were to pursue a deal and Atletico may wish to get a sizeable sum for the player.