Alvaro Morata update: Diego Simeone plea looks successful despite second Saudi proposal

On Monday it was reported that Alvaro Morata had given the green light to a move to Saudi Arabia, which would see him earn a reported €50m from the contract. Yet it appears he has decided to U-turn on the decision to leave.

According to Cadena Cope, manager Diego Simeone has spoken to Morata to ask him to remain at the club. They say he has also spoken with the club to try and prevent an exit. Fabrizio Romano says that Al-Qadsiah’s mammoth offer is one of two from Saudi Arabia as well.

Atletico have been in talks with Girona for Artem Dobvyk, but are not willing to meet his €40m release clause. If Los Rojiblancos are to sign Dovbyk or another forward, Morata’s exit will be essential to that going through. That information comes from Marca, who also say that Atletico will not negotiate his release clause, reported by the majority of sources as €15m.

It appears Simeone’s late plea has been successful though. Relevo are reporting that Morata has decided to U-turn on his decision to leave, in spite of his deal to head to Saudi Arabia being all but done. Al-Qadsiah had even drawn up the contracts for the deal, but have been left in disbelief as Morata backs out of the deal – he has informed Atletico he wants to stay.

It could well mean the end of their pursuit of Dovbyk if that is the case. Multiple reports had signalled that number nine was a priority position for Atletico, but presumably Simeone has given him assurances over game time. One of the factors that had led to talk of his exit initially was Simeone dropping him at the end of last season.