Chelsea have stepped up their interest in Real Betis winger Jose Antonio Morante, although the 19-year-old remains focused on establishing himself in the club’s first team.
According to ABC Sevilla, Chelsea have monitored Morante for several years and increased their efforts last summer. The English club contacted people around the player after he helped Spain win the U19 European Championship.
Morante finished that tournament as the leading scorer with four goals and was selected in the Best XI. Real Madrid have also been following the Real Betis academy graduate closely for an extended period.
Chelsea’s approach is currently exploratory and no formal offer has been submitted. Morante has also made clear that he does not want to pursue a move at this stage, preferring to compete for a place in Manuel Pellegrini’s senior side.
After Morante returned from the European Championship, Real Betis renewed his contract until June 2030. The new agreement includes a €30m release clause.
Pellegrini has already involved the teenager in three matches, giving him appearances in two league games and one Champions League fixture.
Morante marked his LaLiga debut against Osasuna by scoring. In the away match at Elche, his effort struck the post before Riquelme reacted to the rebound and opened the scoring for Real Betis.
He also came on during the closing stages of the Champions League match against Borussia Dortmund.
However, Morante was absent for Real Betis’ Copa del Rey debut against Navalcarnero after suffering adductor discomfort in Wednesday’s training session. The problem followed an impact to his hip.
His availability for the Sevilla derby on 21 November is now uncertain.
