Real Madrid Transfer News: Alvaro Morata Discusses Buyback Option Amid Rumours

Juventus striker Alvaro Morata has dropped his biggest hint yet that he could turn down former club Real Madrid when they activate the buyout clause that was included in the deal that took him to Turin.

Speaking to Radio MARCA (h/t Marca), he said: "On paper I could go back to Madrid, but there are things that go beyond buyback options, such as your personal happiness."

Juventus legend Pavel Nedved is certain the youngster will stay with the Bianconeri, sounding almost combative, via Marca: "Morata is staying here, he's Juve's future. He's an exceptional talent and has only fulfilled 60 per cent of his potential."

The 22-year-old moved to Juventus on a permanent basis in 2014, but Los Blancos included a buyback clause in the deal, which is set to expire in June 2016, according to Marca.

Morata had a slow start to his career in Italy but came on big toward the end of the 2014-15 campaign, which saw him score twice in the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League against his old club. He also added a goal in the final.

Coming into 2015-16, he's firmly established himself as one of Juventus' top players, and his form of late has been excellent. He's scored in five consecutive Champions League matches, per OptaJose, and fans of the Bianconeri are very happy with how he's been playing.

FourFourTwo's Adam Digby is doing his best to keep it quiet, however:

Writing for Bleacher Report UK, Digby tried to explain how important the youngster has been to the Italian side's attempt to come back from a poor start to the season:

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The matches against Sevilla and Bologna saw the Juve boss name an unchanged side for the first time this term, able to rely on the same men each time, and he was rewarded with two vastly improved performances.

Contributions from the likes of Sami Khedira and Andrea Barzagli cannot be understated, but on both occasions, it was Alvaro Morata who, rightly, grabbed the headlines.

"

Morata's future remains a hotly debated topic, and Juventus fans have feared he could be on his way back to the Spanish capital ever since he refused to celebrate either of the goals he scored against Los Blancos.

At the same time, he continues to speak of his love for Juventus and his commitment to the club. Former Real manager Carlo Ancelotti believes he should stay in Turin, per Corriere della Sera (h/t Football Espana).

Buyback options aren't mandatory. Every player has the right to turn down the proposed move back. If Real decide to exercise the option next summer and Morata decides it would be better for his career to remain a regular starter with Juventus, there's nothing Los Blancos can do to force his hand.

Karim Benzema remains Real's obvious choice to start up front after another impressive start to the season, and per Marca (h/t SocialRMadrid, via SocialRMadridFr), the statistics indicate that won't change anytime soon:

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MARCA | Benzema is the most efficient forward in La Liga & the second most efficient in Europe. [@SocialRMadridFr] pic.twitter.com/MFiNVJQlOA

— SocialRMadrid (@SocialRMadrid) October 7, 2015"

Morata left Los Blancos in search of more regular playing time, and it would make little sense for him to return knowing he'll walk right back into a similar situation.

The Spaniard clearly still loves his old club, as evidenced by his aforementioned refusal to celebrate scoring against the side that launched his career, and until the buyback clause expires or Morata openly declines a move back, Juventus fans will not sleep easy.

But Morata continues to pledge his allegiance to the Old Lady at every turn, and while Juventus are powerless to stop any approach from Los Blancos, they'll do their best to convince the player his future would be best served in Turin. So far, that seems to be working.

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