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As with several of Chelsea’s biggest and best signings, the Álvaro Morata deal has seemingly come out of nowhere. Chelsea were heavily linked not that long ago, but those links died out in favor of other moves for the likes of Lukaku or Belotti or Aubameyang. Morata himself was quoted as saying he didn’t see moving to Chelsea as a “feasible option“ while he may or may not have agreed a move earlier to Manchester United instead.
But now, almost all corners of the football rumor world are saying that the 24-year-old’s move from Real Madrid to Chelsea is a done deal. Silly Season can truly be very silly.
#Morata from @realmadrid to @ChelseaFC, deal done @SkySportsNews
— Gianluca Di Marzio (@DiMarzio) July 19, 2017
Álvaro Morata to Chelsea... the deal is done! #Chelsea #CFC #transfers
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 19, 2017
At this point, all that’s left is the medical (which, as we know, might take some time) and the official signing, and for Morata to travel to China from the USA, where he had been with the Madrid team for pre-season.
En estos momentos ya se están firmando los contratos de @AlvaroMorata al Chelsea
— Melchor Ruiz (@melchorcope) July 19, 2017
The signing would be a major victory for Chelsea in what has been a tough transfer window and could also facilitate the final sale of Diego Costa. It is believed the price for Morata will be around £70-75million, which is just about the rumored maximum that Chelsea were willing to pay for a player.
Alvaro Morata on his way to Chelsea. #cfc pic.twitter.com/G1tWuGn0j6
— Kristof Terreur (@HLNinEngeland) July 19, 2017
Antonio Conte has been rumored for at least a year now to want to re-sign the striker he once tabbed for Juventus, and it looks like he finally got his man. Coming the day after his new contract was announced, this is almost perfect timing.
The knock against Morata is that he’s never been a featured center forward, but the club obviously believe he’s ready to make that step up.
Alvaro Morata, Real Madrid 16-17. Big man who dribbles, creates for teammates, and most importantly, scores goals. Big shoes to fill at CFC pic.twitter.com/Sm4D3betMN
— Ted Knutson (@mixedknuts) July 19, 2017
It’s happening!