Chelsea failed with an approach to sign Real Betis winger Jose Antonio Morante, according to reports in Spain. The 19-year-old has made three appearances for the Spanish club this season after breaking into the first team earlier this year.
Summer interest and rejection
Morante was a key part of the Spain squad that won the UEFA European Under-19 Championship in the summer. He finished in the Team of the Tournament alongside five of his Spain teammates and ended the competition as the joint-top scorer with four goals.
According to ABC Sevilla, Chelsea monitored Morante during the European Under-19 Championship and made an approach to the winger’s representatives in the summer transfer window. However, Morante is understood to have personally turned down a move to Chelsea as he wants to become a first-team regular with his boyhood club Real Betis.
Persistent interest and contract details
ABC Sevilla add that Chelsea have been ‘persistent’ with their interest, but Morante has made it clear that he wants to stay with the Spanish club. In July, Morante signed a new deal with Real Betis that keeps him tied to the club until 2030 and includes a €30 million (£25m) release clause.
