Chelsea suddenly ‘on the verge’ of Álvaro Morata, but lose race for Danilo — reports

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.

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!

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.

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.