Chelsea Transfer News: Alvaro Morata Agent Talks Reportedly Held, Latest Rumours
Chelsea have reportedly held talks with the agent and family of Juventus striker Alvaro Morata, with the Blues said to be edging closer to a deal.
That’s according to Gazzetta dello Sport (h/t Joe Short of the Daily Express), who noted that Real Madrid will look to buy the player back for £23 million before the end of the month and then move him on for around £47 million. Manchester United and Arsenal have both been tipped as possible suitors, but Chelsea are reportedly leading the way.
“Morata is reportedly demanding a £6 million-a-year contract as an incentive to leaving Juve,” added Short. “Gazzetta claim Chelsea offered to double his current Juve contract to £4.6 million a season, but his family are holding out for more.”
The future of the Spain international striker is set to be one of the most fascinating transfer stories of the summer. Here is a look at why the Blues could potentially part with so much money to bring him in:
For £47 million, a manager would be expecting a lot from a player. Morata certainly has the tools to become one of the most multifaceted footballers around and for that reason, it’s easy to see why incoming boss Antonio Conte could be keen to part with such a substantial amount to get him to Stamford Bridge.
After all, he’s a purposeful runner, a hard worker and a brilliant foil for other attacking players. As beIN Sports’ Matteo Bonetti noted recently, Morata is also a footballer that seems to cherish the big occasion:
At the moment, there are weaknesses in his game that would make £47 million a major gamble, though. In a one-striker system he frequently gets isolated.
Conte is a coach that has typically used two strikers, and the prospect of Morata pairing with Diego Costa is an ominous one for Premier League defences. The 23-year-old would be a costly acquisition, but with the right coaching and astute guidance, could prove to be well worth the investment.
Juan Cuadrado to Get Chelsea Chance
According to Kieran Gill of the MailOnline, Chelsea will hand Juan Cuadrado a second chance to kick-start his career at Stamford Bridge.
After underwhelming in the early stages of his stint with the Blues the Colombia winger was shipped out on loan to Juventus by former boss Jose Mourinho. But Gill has noted that Conte is a “fan” of the player and is “prepared to hand him another chance in the Premier League.”
It’s suggested the 28-year-old will have the final say on his future after the conclusion of this summer’s Copa America. Here is a look at some of his best moments while on loan with the Italian champions:
One of the key qualities Cuadrado possesses is versatility and for Conte, a man who likes to make alterations to the system he deploys, a player who can do a fine job in a variety of roles would be very useful. ESPN FC’s David Amoyal noted just how important the Colombian became during his stint in Turin:
Conte is currently in charge of Italy at the UEFA European Championships, and you suspect his Chelsea side will start to take more of a defined shape when he's finished with the national team. Only then will we see a clearer picture of what the future holds for the Blues and where Cuadrado could potentially fit in.
The option to stay with the Bianconeri would surely be appealing to the player. Whether at Juventus or beforehand at Fiorentina, the winger has always been at his best in Serie A and has already shown he can be a key component in what is a formidable outfit. Those factors could offset any desire Cuadrado has to prove himself in the Premier League.
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