Chelsea’s Conte sets sights on Morata
london — Spanish striker Alvaro Morata is now the focus of frustrated Chelsea manager Antonio Conte’s attentions after Romelu Lukaku slipped through his fingers and signed for Manchester United, according to media reports.
Chelsea have tabled a £62 million bid for Morata, 24, but Real Madrid are holding out for around £80m, the reports say.
Chelsea have offered Morata wages of £150,000 a week on a five year contract, according to London’s Evening Standard.
Morata is keen to play for the manager and told The Guardian Conte had given him self belief.
“I feel indebted to him because he’s the coach that most trusted in me, most wanted me, who made me feel I could perform at the highest level,” Morata
I feel indebted to him (Conte) because he’s the coach that most trusted in me Alvaro Morata
told the newspaper in April.
“Yet I’ve never had the fortune to actually work with him. I’m sure sooner or later I will.”
Morata would replace fellow Spanish Diego Costa, whom Conte told at the end of last season he no longer figured in his plans despite his 20 Premier League goals spurring on Chelsea to the title.
Costa endured a fractious relationship with Conte last season leading to rumours of him moving to China and then having to apologise to coaching staff after a training ground bust-up.—