Real Madrid striker Alvaro Morata has told close friends he is preparing to leave the reigning European champions for a second time and join Chelsea in the summer, reports The Daily Telegraph.
Chelsea were heavily linked with a move for Morata in the summer after Madrid triggered a clause in his contract to secure his return from Juventus but are expected to rekindle their interest with Diego Costa poised to leave Stamford Bridge at the end of the season.
The Brazilian-born Spaniard was linked with a move to China in the January transfer window before coming to blows with Antonio Conte and the Chelsea boss has given the striker no assurances about his long-term future at the club.
As a result Chelsea are understandably keeping their options open and are still likely to sign another forward in the summer even if Costa remains at the club, with Morata their No.1 transfer target.
Chelsea can expect competition from London rivals Arsenal but have already stolen a march on Saturday’s opponents with Morata confident of securing a switch to the current Premier League leaders.
Morata has grown frustrated by a lack of first-team opportunities at Madrid this season and appears certain to leave the club for the second time in his career at the end of the season with Madrid also linked with a move for Borussia Dortmund superstar Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
Only Pablo Sarabia (4) has scored more goals in La Liga as a substitute this season than Morata (3).
For more stats on Alvaro Morata, click here to visit his WhoScored player page
