The first phase of Chelsea’s complicated pursuit of Alvaro Morata is almost complete after Juventus confirmed Real Madrid will re-sign the Spanish striker this summer.
Zinedine Zidane’s side inserted a buy-back clause in the deal that took Morata to Serie A two years ago and are now ready to exercise their right to buy the striker back.
We revealed last week that Morata’s agent was in Madrid to meet with Real officials to finalise a deal and Juventus have now confirmed talks are close to completion.
Juventus general manager Beppe Marotta said: "Real Madrid are going to exercise their right to buy him back.
"We're just waiting for them to get in touch and then we'll see, but the chance of him staying is slim."
Madrid’s agreed price is understood to be in the region of £24million and Los Galacticos are hoping to double their money by immediately selling Morata to the highest bidder.
Video: Watch Alvaro Morata at his sparkling best for Spain
Alvaro Negredo, Roberto Soldado and Samuel Eto’o have all been shifted on in a similar fashion and Madrid boss Zidane is not short of attacking options at the Bernabeu.
Incoming Chelsea manager Antonio Conte is looking to provide support to Diego Costa at Stamford Bridge next season.
Radamel Falcao has already returned to Monaco while Loic Remy and Alexandre Pato are also heading out of the west London club.
Chelsea face competition from the likes of Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain to sign the Spanish international.
Morata struggled to impose himself on Spain’s opening Euro 2016 clash but notched a brace last time out as Turkey were put to the sword.
He spent six years with Real Madrid before joining Juventus, making 37 first-team appearances and scoring 10 goals in that time.
