Juventus have signed highly-rated Spanish striker Alvaro Morata from Real Madrid for 20 million euros.
The 21-year-old from Madrid, who scored eight goals in 23 Primera Division appearances for Champions League winners Real, has signed a five-year contract with the Serie A champions.
A statement published on Juve’s official website read: “Juventus Football Club can announce that Alvaro Morata has signed a five-year contract with the club after a fee of €20 million, to be paid over three years, was agreed with Real Madrid.
“The deal includes the option for Real Madrid to re-acquire the player’s registration rights at the end of the 2015-16 or 2016-17 campaigns, at predetermined values, up to a maximum of €30 million. These values will be based on the number of matches played by Morata in the relevant season.”
Morata owns a Champions League winner’s medal having played in Real’s final victory over city rivals Atletico in May and he scored his first goal in the competition when closing out a 3-1 win against Schalke in the round of 16.
With an impressive haul of 13 goals in 12 appearances for Spain’s U-21 side, he had attracted the interest of English Premier League club Arsenal, who were reportedly close to signing the striker on loan in January.
Bundesliga side Wolfsburg were also believed to be interested.
Morata was considered a part of Carlo Ancelotti’s first-team plans at Real Madrid, but will hope to play more football in Turin.
At Juventus, where Massimiliano Allegri has just replaced Antonio Conte as head coach, he will work alongside countryman Fernando Llorente and Argentinian Carlos Tevez in attack.
The pair scored 35 Serie A goals between them in the 2013-14 season as Juventus achieved a record points haul of 102 on their way to claiming a third straight Italian scudetto.
“Juve are one of the best clubs in the world,” Morata said through Juve’s official Twitter account.
“I am keen to contribute to the pursuit of further success. I’ve spoken to Allegri and I have a strong desire to get to work.
“I’ve wanted to play for Juve for a long time and the club have always shown interest in me. I feel ready.
“I know it will be hard, but I’m ready to tackle Serie A head on.”