Guillem Balague: 'Alvaro Morata was Antonio Conte's top choice'

By Daniel Lewis, Senior Reporter | 20 July 2017

Balague: 'Morata was Conte's top choice'

Spanish journalist Guillem Balague claims that Chelsea were happy to see Romelu Lukaku join Manchester United as Alvaro Morata was always their top summer target.

Chelsea manager Antonio Conte had no interest in signing Romelu Lukaku and instead prioritised landing Alvaro Morata from Real Madrid, according to respected Spanish journalist Guillem Balague.

The Blues are on the verge of completing a move for the Spain international after reaching an agreement with Madrid on Wednesday, likely setting them back around £68m up front.

Lukaku had previously been tipped to make a return to Stamford Bridge, with Chelsea said to be prepared to match Manchester United's £75m bid earlier this month, but the ex-Everton man instead opted for the Red Devils.

Balague suggests that Conte has got his wish in signing Morata, however, as he was always the priority signing to replace unsettled frontman Diego Costa for the 2017-18 season.

"Morata (fast, clever, v.good finisher) was Conte's choice," he posted on his personal Twitter account. "Club wanted Lukaku but Conte was worried by his lack of work off the ball."

Morata, who scored 20 goals for Los Blancos last term in his role as a back-up striker, arrived in London on Thursday morning to undergo a medical and finalise personal terms.