Conte wants Morata to replace Hazard
Chelsea manager Antonio Conte wants an out and out striker to replace Eden Hazard next season if the Belgian decides to join Real Madrid in the summer. According to reports from Calciomercato, Conte wants Real Madrid’s Alvaro Morata to replace Hazard.
The report claims that Morata is aware of Conte’s interest and is open to joining the 2014-15 Premer League Champions. Morata is struggling for regular game time under Zinedine Zidane and is certain to quit Santiago Bernabeu in the summer.
Conte wants to deploy his preferred 3-5-2 formation next season with Morata to play as the strike partner to Diego Costa. Blues are currently on top of the Premier League table and are expected to clinch their second trophy in three seasons.
Zouma open to a loan move away
Defender Kurt Zouma is ready to accept a loan move away from Chelsea to kick-start his career, according to reports from Get French Football. The 22-year-old has failed to break into Conte’s starting XI this season after returning from injury earlier this season.
Zouma said: “My aim is to succeed at Chelsea. I arrived at the club two and a half years ago and I want to continue here.
“A loan move ahead of the World Cup? Why not. We will see at the end of the season, but I am focused on Chelsea. I am confident and I know that I will play. I have not had a discussion with Antonio Conte about the future.”
Chelsea beat Arsenal and United for Gilmour
Chelsea have reportedly won the race to sign Rangers wonder kid Billy Gilmour, who can leave Ibrox when he turns 16 in June, according to reports from Goal.com.
Reports claim that the 15-year-old will move to Stamford Bridge in a deal worth £500,000 in the summer. Chelsea faced off competition from the likes of Manchester United, Arsenal and Barcelona to complete Gilmour’s signing.
The 15-year-old has already trained with Ranger’s first team after being the standout player in their under-20 squad. Much like the recent promising signings, Gilmour is expected to immediately leave Stamford Bridge to continue his development.
Everton line up Lukaku’s replacement
Everton have lineup MLS star Cyle Larin to replace Romelu Lukaku this summer after the Belgian striker looks certain to join Chelsea next season. According to reports from Daily Star, Lukaku has already made up his mind about a possible move to Stamford Bridge this summer and has refused to sign a new contract at Goodison Park.
With Everton eying a move for Larin, it appears even more likely that Lukaku is certain to join a bigger club next season. With Manchester United all set to complete Antoine Griezmann’s signing, it leaves Chelsea as the ideal destination for the Belgian striker.
Lukaku was speaking during the international break and said: "The decision has already been made so I can't talk about that. There is nothing wrong with ambition. You have to embrace it and where you are as a footballer.”
