Real Madrid Transfer News: Giorgio Chiellini, Jesus Vallejo, Latest Rumours

Real Madrid are set to make a sensational €60 million offer for Juventus star Giorgio Chiellini this summer, a deal that could also see Jesus Vallejo head in the other direction. 

That's according to Mundo Deportivo (h/t Calciomercato), with Real hoping to replace Pepe as he is expected to depart the club in the summer.

The Italian has made over 400 appearances for Old Lady since joining in 2005 and is a key performer for the club thanks to his exceptional defensive prowess, physicality and experience.

He's played a vital role in the Bianconeri's impressive run of form at home, which the club recently celebrated on Twitter:

According to Squawka, in 18 Serie A matches this season Chiellini has won 19 tackles and 27 headed duels, as well as making 76 clearances, 32 interceptions and 11 blocks, all while maintaining an 87 per cent passing accuracy.

Despite his status as one of the best centre-backs in Europe, such a large offer would be a somewhat strange decision from Madrid and equally one Juve should give real consideration to if it comes in.

Chiellini will be 33 in August so he would only be a short-term acquisition for Los Blancos, while the Serie A champions will have done extremely well to receive such an enormous sum for a player of his age, not to mention the inclusion of Vallejo.

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The 20-year-old has been impressive on loan at Eintracht Frankfurt this season and appears to be a strong prospect—he could help Juventus transition to a new generation of defenders alongside Daniele Rugani and the excellent Mattia Caldara, who will join the club from Atalanta in 2018.

Real could do far worse than replacing Pepe with Chiellini and he could be a valuable asset for a season or two, but as excellent as he is, it seems the Italian side would ultimately be getting the better deal if such an offer is made.

Meanwhile, Diario Gol's Diego Castro (h/t Metro's Mark Brus) reported Chelsea have made an opening bid of £34 million for Real's Alvaro Morata, though club president Florentino Perez is hoping for around £43 million.

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The Spaniard returned to the Santiago Bernabeu last summer from Juventus but has largely played second fiddle to Karim Benzema up front. Morara has nevertheless accrued 12 goals and four assists in all competitions, contributing one or the other every 79 minutes on average.

Bleacher Report UK's Karl Matchett hailed the striker after he grabbed a late winner to seal Real's 3-2 comeback win over Villarreal on Sunday:

Per ESPN FC's Dermot Corrigan, Los Blancos manager Zinedine Zidane has repeatedly been questioned over Morata's game time:

Real should endeavour to keep the Spaniard, whose lack of playing time is being pointed out considering Benzema's inconsistent form.

He'd be an excellent acquisition for Chelsea, too, and the 24-year-old has the potential to get even better if given a starring role.