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At last, good news arrive for Chelsea's summer transfer market activities by the hands of reliable Italian journalists. First, transfer gurus Gianluca Di Marzio and Fabrizio Romano reported today that Chelsea are closing in on signing striker Álvaro Morata from Real Madrid, with the Spaniard "ready" to join the club.
#Morata is close to @ChelseaFC now. @SkySport @SkySportsNews @realmadrid
— Gianluca Di Marzio (@DiMarzio) July 19, 2017
Morata is ready to accept Chelsea. Waiting for total agreement btw Chelsea and Real Madrid... #CFC #Chelsea #transfers
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 19, 2017
As usual, the stumbling block is Real Madrid's asking price for the player. But in light of Marca's report that the Spanish club has his price rate at €70 million - or approximately 0.69 Romelu Lukakus - the final transfer fee might not be as insurmountable as it once was.
Not long after, the Telegraph’s Matt Law upped the stakes, claiming that Chelsea are on the verge of completing the Morata signing!
Chelsea set to sign Morata after agreeing deal with Real #cfc https://t.co/PGaDMlzYXZ
— Matt Law (@Matt_Law_DT) July 19, 2017
It’s happening?
It’s happening!
Meanwhile, according Fabrizio Romano, Manchester City have now agreed a deal for Danilo, usurping Chelsea’s interest. Depending on how highly you rate Danilo, this is either a good thing or a bad thing.
Danilo is close to Manchester City! Agreement with Real Madrid for €30M + €5M add ons, 5 years contract for the RB. #transfers #MCFC
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 19, 2017
Although it makes sense for City to go after Danilo after losing three of their fullbacks in Gael Clichy, Bacary Sagna and Pablo Zabaleta in the current transfer window, one still has to question why the Brazilian international would pick them over Chelsea. After all, he will have to beat a £50 million signing to get the playing time he is eager to earn so he can be a part of the Brazilian national team in the next World Cup. Perhaps he is too fond of great challenges...
In any case, this is Chelsea picking up one of the best young strikers in the world, and possibly dodging a bullet at the same time.