Chelsea are believed to be close to completing the signing of Real Madrid striker Alvaro Morata.
Morata was heavily linked with a move to Manchester United this summer, before the Red Devils swooped in to sign a Romelu Lukaku from under Chelsea’s noses, a move which saw them end their interest in the Spaniard.
However reports from the reliable source of Gianluca Di Marzio, claim that Chelsea are now ‘very close’ to signing the 24-year-old with a deal between the two clubs having almost been reached.
Although no fee is mentioned, Real Madrid were looking to achieve a fee of around €80m while negotiat ngbwith Manchester United, and a it is likely that a similar fee is being discussed.
Morata, who has also been linked to AC Milan, is keen to move away from the Bernabeu for the second time in his career in order to gain regular first team football, something which should help him in his quest to be Spain’s first choice striker at next summer’s World Cup.
Morata’s arrival will pave the way for Chelsea to sell Diego Costa, who will return to Atletico Madrid before potentially being loaned out until January.
Chelsea have also been linked to Andrea Belotti and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang this summer.