Chelsea Transfer News: Alvaro Morata Reveals Record Bid, Latest Blues Rumours

Real Madrid striker Alvaro Morata has revealed Chelsea were willing to break the transfer record for a Spanish footballer in order to sign him in the summer. 

The Spain international returned to Madrid after two years in Juventus recently, with the capital club exercising a clause to buy him back. However, there was much speculation as to whether or not Morata would remain at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium for the current campaign; Chelsea, the player stated, tested the club’s resolve to keep him.

“Chelsea showed the most interest," he said to Sport Bild (h/t Liam Twomey of ESPN FC). "Antonio Conte had already signed me for Juventus. And it was a very good offer this time. I would have been the most expensive Spanish player ever.”

Morata added that the offer from the Blues amounted to “roughly” €70 million (£60 million). However, he said “they (Real) have me in their plans, and that was always a dream of mine.”

GLYN KIRK/Getty Images

Per Twomey, Chelsea were linked with strikers during the summer, with Everton’s Romelu Lukaku another target who didn’t end up at Stamford Bridge. It leaves Conte with Diego Costa and Michy Batshuayi as the two senior options up top.

Morata would have been a fascinating capture for the Blues. As these numbers from OptaJose show, he’s a goalscorer who has proved himself at the highest level:

The price tag is indicative of just how difficult it is to secure forward players in the modern game.

Even so, with Madrid putting faith in the player, it was always going to be difficult for Chelsea to convince him to make the switch to England. As a native of the Spanish capital, scoring goals in the iconic all-white jersey will be as good as it gets for Morata.

Mikel John Obi Discusses Exit

James Baylis - AMA/Getty Images

Chelsea midfielder Mikel John Obi has admitted he will talk to other clubs in January about a potential transfer.

The Nigeria international has fallen down the pecking order at Stamford Bridge in recent seasons and has yet to feature under Conte. After a decade with the London club, it seems as though time is almost up as a Blues player for Mikel, whose contract expires in the summer.

“When you have a year left, in January you are allowed to talk to other clubs and sign a pre-contract or have an agreement so, yes, I will talk to other clubs because you never know what is going to happen,” he said, per Jefferson Lake of Sky Sports. “If it is going to be the Premier League there will be options. If it is China or some other places, we will see.”

Mikel may not be the most glamorous signing made by Chelsea over the last 10 years, but he’s played an understated part in one of the most successful periods in the club’s history.

As noted here by WhoScored.com, he has contributed pretty recently, too:

It seems as though Mikel is aware he has options, and there’s still plenty he can offer at a decent level. The 29-year-old is smart on the ball, spots danger quickly and is experienced on both the domestic and international front.

Chelsea are moving in a new direction under Conte, and with N’Golo Kante starring in the centre of midfield, minutes are unlikely to materialise for Mikel. The Nigerian should be in the peak years of his career, and, as such, it’s vital he finds a home where he can feature on a regular basis.