Alvaro Morata to Chelsea: Blues hope to capitalise on Arsenal’s Jamie Vardy pursuit with Spaniard favouring London move

Simon Johnson7 June 2016

Chelsea are convinced they can win the race to sign Alvaro Morata because he wants to move to the capital.

The 23-year-old is looking to resolve his future this week, and is set to hold talks with Real Madrid over a complicated return to Spain.

Morata joined Juventus from Real Madrid for £15.8million two years ago, but the Spanish giants are going to trigger a buy-back option worth £23m before selling him on for a profit this summer.

It is understood that Real Madrid, who are looking for around £40m second time around, have already received enquiries from six different clubs, one of which is from Chelsea.

Antonio Conte, who will take over at Stamford Bridge after Euro 2016, was in charge of Juventus when he told them to target the forward in 2014 only to accept the post as Italy manager before the deal was completed.

Conte is believed to have urged Chelsea to make a move for Morata last week and the Blues are ready to fight for his signature.

Standard Sport understands that Morata is particularly attracted to the prospect of playing in London and is delighted by Chelsea and Arsenal’s interest.

Chelsea had feared they’d face strong competition from their London rivals, but Arsenal are currently pursuing Leicester City forward Jamie Vardy and that has encouraged the club to push for Morata’s transfer now.

Chelsea 2015/16 Player Ratings

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They're also aware of a challenge from Manchester United, however Jose Mourinho's side are looking at Sweden star Zlatan Ibrahimovic, while it is believed Morata would find a move to the north less appealing.

Morata, who is currently preparing with the Spain squad ahead of their first game at Euro 2016 against the Czech Republic, does however hold reservations about Chelsea not playing in the Champions League next season.

He is also determined to remain first choice, so will need reassurances that he won't be moving to Stamford Bridge to be back-up to Diego Costa.

Atletico Madrid are still desperate to re-sign Costa, but Chelsea aren't willing to sell and Conte wants to start with two strikers for the 2016/17 campaign.

Juventus haven't given up hope of buying Morata, who has scored 23 League goals for them in two successful title campaigns, from Real Madrid again either and are prepared to offer him a significant pay-rise.

He is currently on just under £40,000-a-week, but will take his deal to around £100,000-a-week, which includes bonuses.

But Chelsea can comfortably beat that, and their pursuit of Morata doesn't mean their interest in re-signing Romelu Lukaku from Everton is at an end either.

Lukaku is also admired by Conte and the striker is keen to go back to Stamford Bridge, where he feels he has 'unfinished business'.

The Belgium international started just one League game for the Blues in three years before joining Everton for £28m in 2014.

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