Recent reports suggest that Alvaro Morata is on the verge of leaving Santiago Bernabeu to join English champions Chelsea, despite being heavily linked with Arsenal for a number of seasons.

It is no secret that Antonio Conte is a big fan of Morata and his abilities, and the Italian is looking for any way possible to sign the Spaniard according to reports.

Ever since re-joining Real Madrid last summer from Juventus, Morata has been second choice to Karim Benzema, and the 24-year-old is certain to demand a more significant role in the future if he is to stay.

According to Marca, Morata’s substitution at the weekend caught the eye of supporters. The player’s reaction when he was leaving the pitch prompted the Catalan newspaper to claim that the player was signalling his farewell to the crowd.

If Zinedine Zidane fails to convince Morata of the importance of being at the club and that he will get more playing opportunities, the Spaniard could well be tempted to leave, and Conte will be waiting on the other side of the exit door, ready to bring him to Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea already made an approach for Morata last summer, and the player has confirmed on multiple occasions that the contact has been made.

The status of Benzema, with Morata as the only suitable alternative for the Frenchman, is a possible stumbling block.

Since there isn’t really a third option for Real Madrid in a central striker position, letting Morata go before his replacement is brought would be a really bad decision.