Chelsea favourites to secure £60m deal for Real Madrid striker

Premier League leaders Chelsea will reportedly retain their interest in Real Madrid striker Alvaro Morata when the transfer window reopens in a couple of months’ time.

The Spain international rejoined the European champions from Juventus last year after Los Blancos decided to trigger the £25m buy-back clause on his contract.

Morata has since endured a tough campaign with the La Liga club after having failed to displace French striker Karim Benzema, who continues to get the nod under manager Zinedine Zidane.

According to The Star via TMW, the Blues are prepared to sanction a huge £60m deal in order to lure the Spaniard to Stamford Bridge in the coming transfer window.

The 24-year-old’s girlfriend is already understood to have begun house-hunting in the English capital, and a deal looks likely in the summer with the Blues willing to offer a five-year deal to Morata on a significant pay rise.

Despite his limited playing time this term, Morata has managed to amass 13 goals in the Spanish La Liga which happens to be the same as Cristiano Ronaldo, if goals from open play are only considered.

Benzema, 29, has not been in the best of form over the past year or so, but Zidane remains adamant on playing his compatriot, though he is not a favourite among the club’s faithful.

The Blues had courted a keen interest in Morata during the previous summer transfer window, and it is suggested that Conte is a huge admirer of the Spanish talent after having sanctioned his purchase to Juventus in 2014 – prior to joining Italy.

With the Blues due to ply their trade in the Champions League next term, and Conte is understood to want additional options upfront with Michy Batshuayi still to prove his credentials while Diego Costa faces an uncertain future beyond the current campaign.

Meanwhile, Chelsea also hold an advantage in the chase to sign Torino marksman Andrea Belotti, who is eager to link up with a Champions League based club next season.

Image – Getty