ANT IS DECKED
Conte crisis as search for striker hits another hitch
CHELSEA chiefs are ready to deliver another blow to Antonio Conte’s transfer plans by refusing to be dragged into a bidding war over Alvaro Morata.
The Blues appear to be stepping back having initially indicated they would be willing to pay £63m for the Real Madrid striker, 24. Chelsea’s stance over the Spaniard would leave AC Milan in the driving seat – and further infuriate Conte. The Blues boss has seen top target Romelu Lukaku snatched away from his grasp by Manchester United. Morata was next on his wish list but the Italian giants have now revealed that the Spaniard has expressed an interest in heading to the San Siro. To further complicate matters, Milan chief executive Marco Fassone claimed they are looking to snap up one of Morata, Torino hitman Andrea Belotti, 23, or PierreEmerick Aubameyang, 28, of Borussia Dortmund – the same three players the Blues are looking at. However, Starsport understands owner Roman Abramovich is not willing to pay over the odds this summer.
Chelsea set off to China today for the first leg of their Asian pre-season tour with Conte without a first-choice striker to select from.
Diego Costa will not travel after being told by Conte he’s no longer part of his plans.
And Costa has made it clear he wants a return to Atletico Madrid, despite their transfer ban, by posting a video wearing an old Atletico shirt.
Rivals
Belgium hitman Michy Batshuayi has not convinced his manager and it is believed the Italian is becoming increasingly frustrated at the lack of movement in the transfer market.
Chelsea have shelled out a combined £74m to sign defender Antonio Rudiger, 24, and midfielder Tiemoue Bakayoko, 22, but Conte is chasing a new forward.
He is a big fan of Manchester City’s Sergio Aguero, 29, but the prospects of their title rivals letting him join are minimal, while Swansea’s Fernando Llorente, 32, remains an option for the club.
Chelsea defender Kurt Zouma, 22, is set to complete his season-long loan to Stoke today.