Chelsea are believed to have switched to their attention completely towards Real Madrid forward Alvaro Morata, and the blues are reported to have made a £ 70 million offer for the striker, according to the Evening Standard. The blues had been intent on signing Romelu Lukaku from Everton, but they were left surprised when Manchester United pounced in with an offer late in the day. The Belgian international has ended up joining United for a fee that could rise up to £ 90 million (including all the clauses and add-ons).
It is understood that Lukaku was the first choice for Chelsea, the main reason being the Premier league experience already acquired by Lukaku. However, now Chelsea have shifted their attention towards the Madrid striker.
Along with a £70 million offer, Chelsea have also promised to the striker wages of around £150,000 per week. While this may be comparatively low to the earnings of other top strikers in the world, this is only to be a starting spot for the Spaniard. Morata has been deprived of first-team opportunities at Real Madrid ever since Zinedine Zidane took over as the manager. It is a surprising decision considering that Morata’s goal record has been excellent.
So far, Real Madrid have resisted the urge to sell the player, but a concrete offer from Chelsea which is closer towards their valuation could change the outcome. Manchester United were one of the first clubs to register an interest in the 24-year-old this summer. Only after Madrid demanded around £ 80 million for the striker did United pull out of negotiations and concentrate heavily upon Romelu Lukaku.
Chelsea are badly in need of a centre-forward in order to replace Diego Costa, who is expected to rejoin Atletico Madrid after being told that he is surplus to requirements for the 2017-18 season. Last season, Costa was an integral part in helping Chelsea win the league title as he scored 20 goals in the league campaign.