Italian giants AC Milan are close to agreeing a £61m deal with Real Madrid for striker Alvaro Morata, who is a key transfer target for Premier League side Chelsea, according to a report on the Daily Mail.
The Spanish forward is at the top of Chelsea boss Antonio Conte’s transfer targets but it seems that AC Milan have beat them to his signature.
Italian news outlet La Gazzetta dello Sport claim that the Milan club are in advanced negotiations with Real Madrid for Morata, who himself is open to a move to Italy following his successful spell with Juventus two season ago.
Chelsea have already missed out on signing Belgian striker Romelu Lukaku, who has joined rivals Manchester United which angered Conte.
The Chelsea boss is desperate to add a forward before the new season starts as last season’s top scorer Diego Costa heads for the exit door after being told his services are no longer required by Conte at Stamford Bridge.
The Italian will be keen to not miss out on Morata but Spanish La Liga club Real Madrid have dropped their price for Morata in an attempt to fund a move for Mbappe and AC Milan have been the quickest to bid.
AC Milan are having a huge squad overhaul this summer and have signed Italian defender Leonardo Bonucci from rivals Juventus amongst many other signings.
Milan CEO Marco Fassone admitted the club continues to target a striker.
“It’d be nice to have one from Andrea Belotti, Morata or Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang,” he said.
If Chelsea do miss out on Morata, then Conte will have to pursue other targets quickly.
