Report: Chelsea consider surprise return for La Liga striker if Aubameyang move fails

Transfer News: Chelsea considering a move for Atletico Madrid striker Alvaro Morata

A report in Spanish outlet Sport (h/t Daily Mail) claims that Chelsea are considering a move for Atletico Madrid striker Alvaro Morata. The Spaniard had previously spent two seasons at Stamford Bridge from 2017-2019.

The 29-year-old was loaned out to Atletico Madrid for 18 months in 2019 and then joined the club permanently in 2020, following the end of his loan spell. Since then, he has spent two years on loan at Juventus and has now returned back to Madrid.

Chelsea are keen on signing Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang from Barcelona, but they are said to have become frustrated in their efforts for the same. The Blues submitted a player-plus cash deal for Aubameyang which would have seen Marcos Alonso go the other way.

But the La Liga side are proving to be difficult to negotiate with. And now Thomas Tuchel seems to have identified an alternative should they fail to bring in Aubameyang.

Morata was a flop signing for the Blues. The Spanish international arrived at the west London club for £60 million in 2017. But the 29-year-old failed to prove his money’s worth. He managed to score 24 times for the Blues in 72 appearances in all competitions.

Lack of a proper number nine for Chelsea was visible in their 3-0 thrashing by Leeds United. The club has let go of Romelu Lukaku and Timo Werner and Tuchel has rotated Kai Havertz and Raheem Sterling in the number nine position.

Aubameyang seemed to be a decent target to go after, but negotiations are proving tough. But that should not force the club to bring in a former player who failed to leave his mark – at least that’s what some fans would say, who would want more ambition when it comes to finding a proven number nine.

Morata has started both the games for Diego Simeone’s side this season, scoring two goals in the process. It will be wise on Tuchel’s part to pursue Aubameyang over Morata as the former is a proven lethal striker in the Premier League, as compared to the latter.

Nevertheless, we can never count out a player reviving his form and playing better under a new manager’s tactics. Perhaps Thomas Tuchel can bring out the best in the Spain international.

More Chelsea News:

• West Ham United agree fee to sign Chelsea defender Emerson Palmieri
• Thomas Tuchel hints at Chelsea opting against signing a new midfielder this summer
• Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel was not overly critical of Edouard Mendy’s mistake against Leeds United

It remains to be seen if the Blues do make a move for their former striker. Tuchel will, meanwhile, focus on getting his team back on track. After a disappointing last match, Chelsea host Leicester City this Saturday as they look to bounce back from a horrid 3-0 loss at Elland Road.