Chelsea transfer news: Alvaro Morata to remain at Real Madrid as Zinedine Zidane drops out of Paul Pogba hunt
The 23-year-old re-joined the Spanish giants this summer after they took advantage of a £23m buy-back option in the Spain international’s contract at Juventus
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Real Madrid have reportedly decided not to sell Alvaro Morata to Chelsea in the first real knock-back of Antonio Conte’s transfer plans this summer.
The 23-year-old re-joined the Spanish giants this summer after they took advantage of a £23m buy-back option in the Spain international’s contract at Juventus.
Morata was expected to be sold on for profit as Madrid pushed ahead with plans to sign Paul Pogba, also from Juventus, but their decision to hold onto the striker now clears open a path for Manchester United to sign the French midfielder.
According to the Daily Mail, Morata's agent Juanma Lopez has been informed that he will have to fight for his place at the Santiago Bernabéu behind Gareth Bale, Karim Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Zinedine Zidane is busy planning his first full season with Madrid after replacing Rafael Benitez and then leading Los Blancos to the 11th Champions League triumph of their illustrious history.
A move for Chelsea winger Eden Hazard was also on the cards this summer but, after both he and Pogba failed to shine at the Euro 2016, it appears Zidane has opted to stick with Morata, who scored three goals for the deposed European champions.
Arsenal had toyed with the prospect of making a move for Morata but they, too, have been deterred by Madrid’s insistence that he will not be sold before the new season.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments