Chelsea fans here in the Tavern are growing in concern as some light is shed on a possible heart-wrenching departure. 

The Blues have endured a tough start to their 2017-18 campaign, with the first 11 games being stricken with injuries, rifts and inconsistencies. But with the highly sought after Antonio Conte in charge, it looks as if a revival is still in check.

In recent times, Chelsea fans and neutrals have enjoyed the punishing figures of Didier Drogba, Andriy Shevchenko and Gianfranco Zola. This time around, its been down to Alvaro Morata to start his Chelsea legacy, looking to implement similar styles to the greats.

Morata joined from Spanish giants Real Madrid during the summer for a fee that could accumulate up to £70 million. Having played 15 games in all competitions for the Blues, he’s managed to score 8 goals which is a pretty impressive return considering there was an injury in the midst of it all.

But for a man who’s scored in around half of the games he’s featured in, is he worth that amount of money in this day and age?

However, the Spanish international has recently suggested he’d be open to a return to Real Madrid one day, claiming he remains a fan of Los Blancos, despite their decision to sell him.

So as the exit looks to be the best bet for both parties, here are TWO possible replacements for the Spanish forward…

Ciro Immobile

The 27-year-old currently plays for Serie A side Lazio, while also playing for the Italian national side.

Ciro Immobile has enjoyed arguably the best season of his career and he’s only played 11 games. Scoring 15 goals in that short space of time has made him as the most prolific striker in Europe’s top flights.

Having previously played for Sevilla, Dortmund and now Lazio. He’s enjoyed his fair share of European football, as he gains valuable experience. For a striker that is appearing against some of the world’s best defenders week in week out, it looks as if he has the ability to perform at the highest level.

With Chelsea having the possibility of losing Alvaro Morata, Immobile possibly couldn’t be any more similar. Offering the hold-up play, strength and pace that makes him such a nuisance for opposition defenders, this mixes well with the comparison in play to the Spanish forward.

Edinson Cavani

The Uruguayan international plays his matches for a Paris Saint Germain, though the shadow of Neymar looms large over the French capital.

Edison Cavani has been at the forefront of an emphatic attack, one of the best forward lines that Paris has ever seen. Having scored 13 goals in just 11 games, the prolific striker certainly hasn’t been overshadowed by the signings made by the club.

However, things looked to be on the ropes as their fan favourite Neymar, had a falling out with the striker over who should’ve taken a set piece. This triggered many responses from surrounding fans and clubs, as the sale of the striker looked inevitable. But since then they seem to have made up and smoothed things over. That was until the possible sale of Alvaro Morata triggered the need to make room, in the form of Cavani as many publications suggest.

Offering a natural goal scoring instinct, pace, aggression and a deadly aerial threat.

Could this be a potential swap deal?

So Chelsea fans, thoughts and opinions?