Conte wants Real Madrid’s Alvaro Morata to replace Diego Costa

Chelsea striker Diego Costa is being linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge following a recent bust-up with manager Antonio Conte.

The duo were involved in a training ground spat and the Chelsea striker was dropped for last weekend’s game as a result of that. Telegraph are now reporting that Antonio Conte has already identified a long-term replacement for the Spanish international.


Apparently, the Italian wants to sign the former Juventus striker Alvaro Morata. The current Real Madrid striker has not had enough first team football since his return to Bernabeu and Chelsea are looking to offer him a way out in the summer.

Costa remains a target for Atletico Madrid, who are keen on signing the Chelsea star as a replacement for Antoine Griezmann. The Frenchman is expected to leave in the summer. Diego Costa is one of the best players in the world right now and his departure would be a major blow for the Blues. However, keeping him at the club will be difficult unless he can sort out his issues with the manager soon.

Conte has worked with Morata at Juventus and the duo share a great working relationship. The Italian wanted to sign Morata in the summer, but Real Madrid refused to sell at that point. The Blues were then forced to sign Batshuayi instead. Morata has started just 6 games in La Liga so far and has scored 5 times.

Furthermore, Telegraph add that Chelsea will consider a move for Romelu Lukaku as well if Everton lower their valuation of the player. The Belgian is currently valued at £70m.

Lukaku has been phenomenal for the Toffees ever since he joined them. The former Chelsea player has scored 74 goals in 149 games for Everton.