Real Madrid striker Alvaro Morata is now hoping that Chelsea make a move for him after Manchester United turned their attention to Romelu Lukaku.
With Manchester United now in pole position to sign Romelu Lukaku, Alvaro Morata’s future is in limbo. The Real Madrid striker seemed set on a move to Old Trafford, but United’s Lukaku approach has thrown a spanner in the works. Morata is hoping that Chelsea come in for him.
According to the Independent, the Spanish striker is banking on the Blues diverting their attention after seemingly being gazumped by Jose Mourinho.
"The Real Madrid striker was convinced as late as Wednesday that he was days away from being a United player and that he would soon be on a plane on their tour of the USA next week…Morata is now hoping that Chelsea will come back in for him and spend the money that they had intended to spend on Lukaku, before they were out-manoeuvred this week by United."
Morata has been linked with a Chelsea switch over the last year, but it appeared that the Blues were focussed on Lukaku. With that deal now unlikely, Morata should return to being the West Londoners’ priority.
Chelsea have already made an absolute hash of their summer transfer window. They have signed a 35-year old goalkeeper and a 16-year old from Exeter City. Meanwhile, Everton and Huddersfield look like wealthy, experienced transfer mavens by comparison. United’s move on Lukaku is merely the final (dear god let it be the final) insult.
Alvaro Morata is arguably a better transfer target than Lukaku. He has many attributes that Lukaku lacks, and never had the extortionate price tag attached. The gazumping could be a blessing in disguise, if Chelsea have the nous to make it so.
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The Blues have already snatched defeat from the jaws of victory only six days into the transfer window. If Alvaro Morata is wearing Blue for his pre-season assessment on Monday morning, perhaps we can put this whole thing behind us and go into the pre-season with a sense of optimism and relief.