Transfer News: Chelsea set to revive interest in Fernando Llorente

Chelsea are reportedly set to revive interest in Swansea striker Fernando Llorente, who Antonio Conte sees as the perfect backup to Alvaro Morata.

According to a report from Independent, Antonio Conte is gunning for his Chelsea side to move for Fernando Llorente. The Spanish veteran is being eyed by the Italian as the perfect backup or fall back option to Alvaro Morata, club’s record signing from Real Madrid.

Fernando Llorente has shared time with both Antonio Conte and Alvaro Morata at Juventus, which is stated to be the reason for Conte seeking a reunion with the Athletic Bilbao academy product. The player is in his last year of contract at Swansea and is seen as a realistic short-term option to serve as backup to Morata.

Llorente played under Conte at Juventus and he is understood to be aware that #Chelsea are considering a renewed move. [Telegraph]

— Chelsea HQ ? (@Chelsea_HQ) August 25, 2017

The 32-year-old hasn’t lit up the Premier League in his maiden season on English soil at Swansea. But, he was a reliable source of goals, with a total of 15 in 33 league appearances. And he has been the subject of interest from Chelsea ever since the initiation of the present transfer window.

Chelsea have reinforced their frontline with Alvaro Morata this summer. But, with Diego Costa exiled from the squad and Michy Batshuayi still not able to convince Antonio Conte, the need for further additions in the said position is paramount.

Chelsea were earlier looking at the possibility of bringing in either Andrea Belotti or Pierre-Emeric Aubameyang. But, Llorente would be a fantastic budget stop-gap option for Conte. For one, the player is familiar with Conte’s tactics and would not take much time to settle in at Stamford Bridge.

4 days remaining in the Transfer Window.

Llorente, Ox, Barkley needed. Anyone who is decent at LWB needs to come in too. #CFC pic.twitter.com/FzmddxBKuY

— Lav (@ConteTactics) August 28, 2017

Also, the veteran could mentor Alvaro Morata and guide him as he continues his journey towards becoming a truly world-class striker. Swansea have been hesitant in letting the player go without a proper replacement signed or lined up, as has happened in the case of Gylfi Sigurdsson’s transfer to Everton for a club record fee.

But, as the Swans get closer to signing Wilfried Bony and having him back at the club, there is a feeling that they could consider the possibility of letting Llorente go, should Chelsea come in with a considerable offer. For now, though, Conte seems intent on adding three players to his squad.

And Llorente could be one of the three men we see wearing the Chelsea shirt on the pitch come the end of the transfer window.