Morata to join Atletico on permanent deal after 2019-20 season

Chelsea striker Alvaro Morata, who's midway through an 18-month loan spell at Atletico Madrid, will join the Spanish side on a permanent basis following the 2019-20 season, the clubs announced Saturday.

Chelsea reportedly threatened to recall the 26-year-old if Atletico didn't make the loan deal permanent for £50 million.

With the Spanish international now on the way out and a transfer ban in place, the Blues have just three senior strikers available. The club did, however, manage to recoup the majority of the £60 million it spent to sign Morata from Real Madrid in 2017.

Morata endured a difficult 18 months in west London, scoring just 24 goals in 72 appearances under managers Antonio Conte and Maurizio Sarri.