It was a formality. Only a matter of time, surely.
With the clubs only a few million quid away from an agreement, it seemed a certainty that Alvaro Morata would be hopping on a Manchester-bound private jet any time soon…
Then, out of absolutely nowhere, the deal was off.
United moved for Romelu Lukaku, completing a move for the Everton man within days of the news first being reported. Morata, who had been certain that his move to Old Trafford was imminent, was staying put at Real Madrid.
Lukaku’s move to United also greatly inconvenienced Chelsea, who believed the Belgian was set to seal a return to the club. By this stage, Antonio Conte had made Diego Costa aware that his future lay away from Stamford Bridge.
So, with Chelsea in need of a new striker, the latest reports from Sky Sports in Italy hardly come as a surprise.
That’s right. The Premier League champions have now reportedly agreed a fee with Real Madrid to bring Morata to London.
BREAKING: @ChelseaFC agree deal with @realmadrid to sign @AlvaroMorata, report Sky in Italy. #SSN pic.twitter.com/AIgmvZct0d
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) July 19, 2017
It’s reported that the player will cost Chelsea over £70m and only a few minor details need to be ironed out before the transfer is finalised.
The development comes within 24 hours of the news that Antonio Conte has signed an improved 2-year contract to remain as Chelsea manager.
