Chelsea boss Antonio Conte refuses to deny Romelu Lukaku was first-choice striker target

[RoterTeufel]

Chelsea boss Antonio Conte refuses to deny Romelu Lukaku was first-choice striker target


 
CHELSEA boss Antonio Conte has refused to deny he wanted Romelu Lukaku over Alvaro Morata.
 
The Italian enjoyed a staggering first season in the Premier League, leading the Blues to the title ahead of London rivals Tottenham.
 
 And he’s made a raft of signings this summer as he looks to guide Chelsea to glory when they return to Champions League action next term.
 
 Conte has informed Diego Costa that he’s free to leave Stamford Bridge, with £75m Morata already brought in as his replacement from Real Madrid.
 
 Chelsea’s swoop for the Spain international came after they had been backed to sign Lukaku - who’s ended up at Manchester United.
 
 Conte has now spoken about the two hitmen during an interview with the Mail on Sunday.
 
 And he’s kept his cards close to his chest when asked if Lukaku was his top target.
 
 Conte said: "You know very well the dynamic of the market: it seemed that Morata would finish at Manchester United and Lukaku at Chelsea. Instead it happened the other way around."
 
 Asked specifically if he would have preferred Lukaku, he added: "It is not important to say.
 
 "For me, Lukaku and Morata are at the same level, first choice for a great club like Chelsea and United."
 
 Jose Mourinho and Conte will be hoping Lukaku and Morata are gunning for the golden boot next season.
 
 Their first opportunity for a straight shootout will come when United visit Chelsea on Saturday November 4.