Is an Alvaro Morata Return to Chelsea on the Cards?

Chelsea could turn to former player Alvaro Morata to solve their striker crisis after the club has so far failed to replace Romelu Lukaku and Timo Werner.

Spanish website Sport has reported that:

"Chelsea are exploring alternative options to Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, including Alvaro Morata, after growing frustrated with their attempts to strike a deal with Barcelona.Barca and Chelsea have held talks over a deal for Aubameyang but have failed to come to an agreement over a fee.The Premier League side have proposed a cash plus player offer, with Marcos Alonso moving in the other direction, while Barca are holding out for over €25 million.Chelsea, though, are not prepared to match Barca’s asking price and now exploring other options with just over a week to run in the transfer window.They have sounded out a deal for Atletico Madrid striker Alvaro Morata, who previously spent two seasons at Stamford Bridge, and are also assessing other alternatives."

What Went Wrong the First Time Round for Morata at Stamford Bridge?

Morata signed for them in 2017 for a then-record fee. However, across two seasons at the club, he only scored 24 goals in 72 appearances and was sent back to Spain with Atletico Madrid.

He is widely regarded as a failure at Stamford Bridge although he did play a part in the Blues winning the FA Cup and Europa League during his time at the club.

The number 9 shirt that Morata wore at Stamford Bridge is thought to be cursed as he along with Romelu Lukaku and Fernando Torres all failed to make their mark whilst at the club while occupying the number.

Is He the Man to Lead Their Forward Line Again at Chelsea?

The return of Morata would not fill Chelsea fans with hope as they remember his first time at the club. But time is running out for the Blues to get a striker in before the transfer window closes on September 1st.

Morata is used to returning to former clubs as he has already had two spells at Real Madrid, Juventus and Atletico Madrid. He is still a Spanish international who will be looking to prove his form to make sure he starts for Spain at the World Cup later this year.

The Blues he is returning to is not the same one he left. They have a new manager in Tuchel who may get the best out of him when Antonio Conte failed to do so.

Tuchel’s side have an abundance of attacking midfielders and wingers including Raheem Sterling, Kai Havartz and Mason Mount, who will be able to play him in. Morata, at 6 foot 3 inches, can also be an aerial threat and wing backs such as Marc Cucurella, Reece James and Cesar Azpilicueta would be able to provide crosses for him.

It is getting late in the transfer window and Chelsea are struggling to get a new forward in. Although his first spell at the club did not go to plan, under a new manager and with Morata having a point to prove, it may be Chelsea’s best option.