Alvaro Morata Reportedly 'Close' to Chelsea Transfer from Real Madrid

Chelsea are reportedly "close" to a deal for Real Madrid striker Alvaro Morata as they seek a replacement for Diego Costa.

According to Gianluca Di Marzio of Sky Sport, the Premier League champions are nearing a move for the striker, who is expected to leave the Bernabeu this summer. Matt Law of the Daily Telegraph later reported one source told him the deal is "done," but noted he believed that was premature.

Morata had been tipped to join Manchester United but, per George Elek at the Evening Standard, but Jose Mourinho admitted they could not find an "economic agreement" with Real Madrid.

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The Red Devils subsequently confirmed they had signed Romelu Lukaku from Everton, leaving their pursuit of Morata over.

However, Morata could still be on his way to the Premier League should Chelsea manage to agree a deal with Madrid for the 24-year-old.

Costa's time at the club looks to be almost over as the striker was left out of the club's pre-season tour squad as he is in negotiations over a return to Atletico Madrid, per Matt Law at the Telegraph. 

However, a top-class replacement will be needed for Costa who scored 20 Premier League goals in 35 games, per WhoScored.com, as Chelsea claimed the title.

Morata only managed 14 La Liga starts for Madrid last season, but he still boasted an excellent record in front of goal, as illustrated by WhoScored:

The Spain international also knows manager Antonio Conte well, with the Italian having signed the striker for Juventus in 2014.

Morata has previously claimed he feels "indebted" to Conte, per Sid Lowe at the Guardian, and it seems the two could be reunited at Stamford Bridge this summer.