09:15h CEST

Morata has pretty much taken the decision to leave Real Madrid next summer. His overwhelming desire was always to stay and make it big at the club of his dreams (in fact he signed a contract with the Spanish giants through to 2022), but he's realised Zidane isn't convinced. And on top of that Chelsea are now keen to sign him. According to sources consulted by this newspaper, Antonio Conte, current coach of the Premier leaders, has told Abramovich of his desire to land the Madrid and Spain striker.

Full screen Conte wants Morata Tony Marshall (Getty Images)

Conte goes for Morata, again

The Italian has already asked for Morata, back in the summer of 2014, when he was in charge at Juventus, however Conte was then offered the Italian national team job, one he felt he couldn't refuse. Morata even ended up doubting whether he should move to Turin, given he was Conte's choice, not Allegri's.

Conte not forgotten Morata

Conte hasn't forgotten Morata, and is now back on the hunt for the Spaniard, having seen that Zidane doesn't see him as a first choice striker in his plan for Madrid. And Morata has a personal understanding with Conte, which always helps...

Full screen Morata could well be on his way to Chelsea CHEMA DIAZ (DIARIO AS)

Morata came back to Real Madrid

In the summer of 2016 the academy player decided to return to the club of his youth to achieve his dream of success in a white shirt. The offer the club made him also helped: six million euros a year (in Juventus he was on four). The other decisive factor was a conversation with Zidane in which the French coach confirmed he'd have opportunities...

Morata has seen Benzema will always be first choice

But in his efforts to compete with Benzema, Morata has seen how even when Benzema is performing at his worst (January and February) he's still a guaranteed starter for Zidane. Morata has only played 35% of the minutes he could have. And now Benzema has started firing on all cylinders again, with three great games against Eibar, Napoli and Athletic, which saw Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez to say: "Karim is the best number 9 in the world. If it was up to me he'd be at Madrid for life. I'm so happy with Benzema".

Real Madrid want Mbappé

Add to that Real Madrid's keen interest in Mbappé, confirmed to some extent by Pérez: "Mbappé and Benzema together? Everything's poosible", and it's understandable that Morata sees his future far from the Bernabéu.

Morata is therefore keen on a potential move to Chelsea, with the English club looking at shifting Diego Costa to China in return for a mighty pile of cash. Morata knows he'd likely be a regular starter under Conte. And he'd have Pedro, Marcos Alonso, Cesc and Azpilicueta as team mates, and Diego Costa, if he didn't leave.

Chelsea willing to pay 65 million euros for Morata

Chelsea would be willing to pay around 65 million euros for him, which Real Madrid would likely be happy to accept (they paid Juventus 30 million to bring him back last summer). Of course everything depends on what happens at the end of the season, but right now it looks like Morata will more likely be in blue than white next season.

Real Madrid and Chelsea this summer

Don't forget too that the two clubs have various other mutual transfer interests, with Real Madrid keen on Courtois (if De Gea doesn't happen) and Hazard (Zidane is desperate to land him), while Chelsea fancy James... an interesting transfer season awaits.