Alvaro Morata was not Chelsea manager Antonio Conte's first-choice target to replace Diego Costa, according to former technical director Michael Emenalo.

Despite netting 20 goals as the Blues regained the Premier League last season, the 29-year-old was informed by the Italian tactician during the summer – reportedly via text – that he was surplus to requirements this term and has since been re-sold to Atletico Madrid.

As a result, Conte splashed the cash to sign Morata from Real Madrid as a direct replacement for Costa.

However, Emenalo has revealed that Conte initially wanted to bring Romelu Lukaku back to Stamford Bridge for a second spell after developing into one of the finest centre-forwards in English football during spells with West Brom as well as Everton.

Although, the Belgian international opted for a move to Manchester United instead which paved the way for the Blues to secure Morata's signature and Emenalo insists Conte is delighted with the Spaniard's form thus far.

(Image: GLYN KIRK/AFP/Getty Images)

"As everybody knows in every walk of life, you develop an idea and you have a policy in mind and you have an intent, and if it doesn’t go the way you want, there is some level of disappointment," Emenalo told talkSPORT.

"But I can tell you today Conte is extremely happy with Alvaro Morata, and I think that is down to Morata and is also down to the fantastic work they do at Cobham."

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Having been seen as a impact substitute under Zinedine Zidane with Los Blancos last season, the 25-year-old has shown promising signs of being capable of leading the line for a top club as he's adapted to the demands of English football with relative ease.

Forging a promising partnership with Eden Hazard in Conte's 3-5-2 system of late, Morata has netted 10 goals across all competitions so far this term - including the winner in the 1-0 win over the Red Devils last month.