Chelsea Transfer News: Alvaro Morata Agreement with Real Madrid Rumoured

Chelsea have reportedly agreed to sign Real Madrid striker Alvaro Morata this summer. 

The two parties have been linked with one another for much of the transfer window, and Sky Sports News cited Italian sources on Wednesday to suggest a deal is nearing completion:

Dominic Fifield and Fabrizio Romano of the Guardian reported the fee will be "around" £70 million.

Spanish radio station COPE (h/t Metro) reported last month that Manchester United were interested in a deal for Morata, but Chelsea could be free to complete a deal after the Red Devils signed Romelu Lukaku for £75 million.

Sky Sports News reporter Kaveh Solhekol gave some idea as to how much the transfer could cost the Blues, as well as expanding upon Real's recent spurt in sales through the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu exit door:

Diego Costa will not lead Chelsea's line next season after manager Antonio Conte informed him by text that he was no longer in Conte's plans, per BBC Sport, leading to speculation over whom his successor will be.

Metro's Mark Brus reported rumours of a return to Atletico Madrid were abuzz after Costa was pictured wearing his old club's colours, although he provided quotes from Atleti president Enrique Cerezo, who told Spanish daily AS:

"Costa is a Chelsea player at the moment, and you know for a long time now that we cannot sign anyone (this summer). This shows that pyjamas come in all different colours. Everyone can put on whichever ones they want."

"Diego is a magnificent player, a great player, he was in Spain for many years. He has had a good spell in England, learned English, English customs. He will return to Spain someday… On holiday. Madrid is a lovely place to visit, if you have the money to enjoy it."

Following Lukaku's big-money move to Old Trafford, Costa's uncertain future and a potential Morata arrival, Jason Burt of the Telegraph teased the mighty striker battle that looks set to ensue in the Premier League:

Morata was brought back to Real Madrid last summer following a two-year spell at Juventus, but the Spain international was not truly permitted free reign as the top striker at either club, meaning this could be his big break under Conte.

He'll undoubtedly be hoping so, and the pace at which the transfer is accelerating may suggest Morata's arrival isn't dependent on Costa leaving the club first.