Former Atletico Madrid defender Juanfran Torres has confirmed a rift between Alvaro Morata and Diego Simeone.

The Spanish international returns to the club ahead of the 2022/23 season after Serie A giants Juventus opted against signing him permanently.

Morata’s return of 20 league goals in two seasons did little to inspire optimism in his second spell in Turin but his first team chances remain limited in Madrid.

With 12 months left on his current contract in the Spanish capital, Morata remains tied to Los Rojiblancos, but Juanfran hinted his difficult relationship with Simeone will complicate matters.

“Hopefully Morata can settle those quarrels with the coach”, as per reports from Marca.

Reports from Goal.com claim Premier League side Arsenal considered reigniting their interest in the former Chelsea striker, but the Gunners are now closing in on Brazilian star Gabriel Jesus.

Simeone is open to potentially selling Morata, if an acceptable €25m+ offer is received in the weeks ahead, with the 29-year-old unlikely to feature for him next season.

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST
Mavericks advance to Western Conference Finals aided by controversial call late
Connor McDavid, Oilers hammer Canucks to force Game 7
Tyson Fury-Oleksandr Usyk epic increases excitement for potential rematch
Seize the Grey wins in muddy Preakness
Even Mike Budenholzer admits the Suns need a point guard
Watch: Juan Soto's first multi-homer game as a Yankee
Xander Schauffele, Collin Morikawa lead at PGA Championship
Knicks could get major boost for Game 7 showdown with Pacers
Giants All-Star pitcher suffers setback in recovery from injury
Panthers star named winner of 2024 Selke Trophy
WNBA to investigate $100,000 sponsorship deals for Aces players
Tiger Woods blames one big factor for missing the cut at PGA Championship
'Ain't good enough': Draymond Green claims Celtics must 'win it all' or it's a 'failure'
Blue Jays GM wants struggling club to feel 'massive sense of urgency'
Raptors expected to flip former NBA champion during the offseason
MLB insider reveals Mets' massive extension offer that Pete Alonso turned down
Celtics legend provides update after gruesome finger injury
Bulls hire former NBA head coach as top assistant
Chiefs move on from young running back
20-year MLB veteran working out, unsure about playing future