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What's the story?
Having only just arrived in London, Chelsea's Spanish striker Alvaro Morata is set for a swift departure to Paris St-Germain, according to a report in Spanish newspaper Marca and in multiple British publications as well. The Ligue 1 giants are all set to let Edinson Cavani go, despite his heroics so far this season, and have lined up the former Real Madrid striker as Cavani's replacement. Chelsea will be reluctant to let their new signing go, so PSG are hoping that a profit of €30 million in just one season will tempt the Blues into selling, as the Qatari-backed Parisians launch an opening bid of £79.5 million.
Also Read: 5 most expensive Spanish footballers of all time
In case you didn't know...
Morata came through the ranks in Madrid's Castilla team, where his excellent goal scoring rate caught the eye of Jose Mourinho, who integrated him into the first-team squad, although the Portuguese manager did describe him as 'not ready'. Morata became a proper first-team member when Carlo Ancelotti took over, although he did leave for Juventus the following season for €20 million. The Spanish striker enjoyed a great couple of seasons with the Bianconeri before Madrid exercised their buyback clause for €30 million, before selling him to Chelsea this summer.
The heart of the matter
Chelsea's €60 million buy this summer got off to a bad start, having missed a crucial penalty in the FA Community Shield loss to Arsenal in the opening game of the season. However, the Spaniard has overcome doubts, scoring 8 goals and garnering 3 assists in 15 appearances for the Londoners in all competitions, including a match-winner against Manchester United.
Given Morata's rise to prominence, PSG are eyeing up the Spaniard as Edinson Cavani's replacement in the summer. The Uruguayan striker reportedly remains persona-non-grata for Neymar and the Brazilian camp in PSG behind the scenes, despite a public patching up.
Also Read: Is Alvaro Morata the Fernando Torres Chelsea always wanted?
PSG are desperate to sell Cavani, and Morata fits the bill. The French giants are hopeful that a €90 million bid will be accepted, but are even willing to do a swap deal, with Chelsea reportedly preferring the latter.
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Author's Take:
Morata had previously voiced his discontent at life in London, with the Spaniard calling the city 'stressful', although he later clarified his comments saying he would sign a 10-year contract if Chelsea offered one.
The prospect of Edinson Cavani leading the line for Chelsea is still probably a better option for the Blues and they ought to seriously consider a swap deal.
