Transfer rumors: Morata close to deal with Chelsea

Chelsea are closing in on a Diego Costa replacement, Real Madrid’s Alvaro Morata.

Chelsea and Real Madrid forward Alvaro Morata are nearing a deal, according to Gianluca Di Marzio. Morata has been on the Blues’ radar for quite some time now with manager Antonio Conte taking a liking to the 24-year-old.

The Spanish striker has been eyeing regular play time elsewhere recently as a result of lack of time on the pitch at the Bernabeu. Meanwhile, Chelsea have been scrambling to find a replacement for Diego Costa. Costa and Conte have grown apart as reports of Costa’s move back to Atletico Madrid become more prominent. The Blues were reportedly given an option to sign both Romelu Lukaku and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, but failed to lure either to Stamford Bridge.

Morata provides Chelsea with a perfect, young replacement for Costa up front. The Spaniard tallied 15 goals in La Liga last season. However, there have been concerns about Morata’s lack of playing time at the highest levels. Then again, Morata has spent the entirety of his professional career at Real Madrid and Juventus, and has appeared in the Champions League for both. That’s not a bad base to build on.

Since returning from Italy in 2016, Morata’s improvement has been obvious. During his 63 games with Juventus, he tallied just 15 goals. In 26 games last season, he matched that total. He has been linked with Chelsea since Conte’s arrival and finally looks to be pulling the trigger on a move to the Premier League.

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Presently, Chelsea’s depth up front is not good enough. As the team arrives in Asia Wednesday morning, Loic Remy and Michy Batshuayi are the Blues’ attacking options. Morata will provide Chelsea with a fantastic attacking option up front. His arrival will bolster Chelsea’s attack as he provides great pace and a masterful finishing ability.