Morata fuels Chelsea exit rumours after meeting Juventus director

Chelsea striker Alvaro Morata met with Juventus sporting director Fabio Paratici in Milan on Wednesday, Goal can confirm. 

The meeting, which was also attended by Morata's agent Juanma Lopez, is likely to further fuel speculation the Spanish forward could leave Chelsea after just one season. 

Morata joined the Blues from Real Madrid last summer for a club-record £60 million (€68m/$80m) fee, and scored 15 goals in 47 appearances in all competitions in 2017-18. 

Though he got off to a strong start, the 25-year-old faded as the season wore on and ultimately missed out on Spain's World Cup squad as a result. 

Morata's struggles have led to speculation he could re-join Juve, with whom he had a successful two-year loan spell between 2014 and 2016. 

During his two seasons in Turin, Morata scored 27 goals in 93 official appearances with the Bianconeri and won five trophies. 

In addition to Juventus, Milan have also been mooted as a potential destination for Morata. 

On Tuesday, Morata's Italian agent Beppe Bozzo met with Milan's hierarchy about a potential move, but unlike Wednesday's meeting with Juventus, Morata himself did not attend. 

Though there is interest in Morata from abroad, a transfer would have several hurdles to overcome before becoming a reality. 

Goal understands that Chelsea still believe the Spaniard can come good at Stamford Bridge, and that his downturn in form over the second half of the season was largely due to a back injury. 

Additionally, the Blues are unlikely to sell Morata unless they can make a profit from their massive outlay on the striker last summer.

It remains to be seen if any club in Europe would be willing to go that high with a bid.