What the loss of lvaro Morata means for Real Madrid CF – isportsweb.com (blog)

Real Madrid is having quite a busy off-season. The team has agreed to terms with English club, Chelsea, for the transfer of lvaro Morata. The transfer fee is believed to be for 85 million. In a brief statement, the Blues have said: Chelsea Football Club and Real Madrid have agreed terms for the transfer of Alvaro Morata to Stamford Bridge. The move is now subject to him agreeing personal terms and passing a medical.

Agreement Chelsea-Real Madrid for 85 M + 9 M season, 5 years contract for #Morata @SkySport #Transfers #CFC pic.twitter.com/yYK04WPe6Y

Angelo Mangiante (@angelomangiante) July 19, 2017

The signing reportedly comes at the request of Antonio Conte, who had attempted to sign the Spanish international for Chelsea last summer. The Blues are looking for a new striker to replace Diego Costa who is reportedly leaving the club this summer.

Real Madrid have also confirmed the move, stating: Real Madrid C.F. and Chelsea F.C. have reached an agreement regarding the transfer of lvaro Morata, subject to the player completing his medical. The club wishes to express its thanks for the dedication, professionalism and exemplary conduct displayed by the player over the years, spanning his time in our academy right through to his spell as a member of the first-team squad.

Morata was first associated with the Spanish club in 2008 when he joined the Real Madrid youth team. He made his debut with the first team two years later in 2010 appearing in 52 games and scoring 11 goals. Most notably in 2013, Morata played the complete 90 minutes in El Clsico against FC Barcelona and provided the assist to Karim Benzema for the games opening goal. He transferred to Juventus for 20 million in 2014, successfully winning the domestic double of Serie A and Coppa Italia. However, Real Madrid exercised their buy-back clause to bring back Morata from Juventus for 30 million in June of 2016.

Earlier this year, Morata admitted in an interview with The Guardian that he expresses constant gratitude towards Conte. Morata stated: Conte is the manager who most bet on me, without even ever having had me in his team. Im very conscious of that: he bet on me for Juventus but left before I arrived; then he wanted me at Chelsea come what may. He knows me better than I could imagine, Im sure. And thats important, it motivates you to work hard, train well.

Morata concluded his praise, saying: I feel indebted to him because hes the coach that most trusted in me, most wanted me, who made me feel I could perform at the highest level.

With the transfer, Real Madrid inevitably loses depth at the striker position. Morata served as an excellent substitute option for Karim Benzema. Real Madrid will likely rely more on Gareth Bale to be a viable option in late-game minutes. Bale has often come on as a substitute later in games and has proven that he can provide a spark when the team needs it the most. The team will also turn to budding star Francisco Romn Alarcn Surez, otherwise known as Isco. The wing position opposite Cristiano Ronaldo has always been a relatively weaker point in the Madrid offense. Isco will be asked to service crosses into the box for both Ronaldo and Benzema and he has shown in the past that he is capable of such a task.

The departure of Morata will also open the door for young striker Nikolaos Vergos. The 21-year-old has spent his time on the third string but could potentially earn a spot with the second team. Vergos is a pure finisher with excellent technique. He is known for his ability to head the ball out of the air and create opportunities for himself. He also provides versatility given the fact that he can move to center-forward with no drop in productivity.

Real Madrid are also planning a bid of their own. The team is reportedly ready to make an offer to finally seal the transfer of Monaco striker Kylian Mbappe. The 18-year-old scored 15 goals and recorded eight assists last season.Mbappes price tag is rumored to be around 120 million with Real Madrid now ready to step up to the bid.

Student at George Mason University. Avid sports enthusiast covering the Carolina Panthers, Washington Wizards, and Real Madrid C.F.

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What the loss of lvaro Morata means for Real Madrid CF - isportsweb.com (blog)