Chelsea forward Alvaro Morata 'to join Atletico Madrid on 18-month loan'

Atletico Madrid have reportedly agreed to loan Chelsea forward Alvaro Morata until the end of the 2019-20 campaign.

Morata has scored 24 goals from 72 appearances since joining Chelsea in July 2017, but the Spaniard has failed to impress under Maurizio Sarri.

Chelsea are allegedly on the brink of confirming a loan deal for Juventus forward Gonzalo Higuain, and according to Carrusel Deportivo, Atletico have a similar deal in place for Morata.

The report claims that terms have been agreed for Morata to move to the Wanda Metropolitano for the next 18 months, with Atletico covering the player's wages in full.

The La Liga giants will reportedly also have the option to sign Morata on a permanent basis for between €40m (£34.86m) and €45m (£39.22m), although there is no obligation to push through the transfer.