Chelsea have agreed a deal to bring Real Madrid striker Alvaro Morata to the club, according to reports in Spain.
The report states that a the two clubs have struck a deal for the services of the young forward. The BBC translates this one:
Chelsea have reached an agreement with Real Madrid to bring striker Alvaro Morata, 24, to Stamford Bridge. (Diario Gol – in Spanish)
In many ways Morata seems like the perfect replacement for Chelsea’s current target man Diego Costa. And the fact that a deal is apparently being done so early would perhaps suggest that the fiery Stamford Bridge number 9 is on his way out of the club.
But if Chelsea are to compete on all fronts next season they will require serious strength in depth and the two could feasibly play together.
Morata is an adaptable and intelligent forward who could play in a deeper role in the team or at number 9.
He’s had a decent time at Real Madrid since returning from Juventus but hasn’t always been a central figure for Los Blancos in the biggest games.
He’s hit 9 goals in just 18 caps for Spain and 17 in 36 games at club level this season. His strike rate has certainly improved of late as he only has 28 in 88 in his entire time at Madrid.
This rumour has persisted for some time and perhaps we should conclude that there is no smoke without fire in this case.
Chelsea fans: is Morata good enough to replace Diego Costa or does he lack the X factor?