Conte hails Morata's experience as transfer nears completion

Antonio Conte backed Alvaro Morata's credentials to be a common feature in his Chelsea side when speaking for the first time about the Spaniard's agreed transfer to west London from Real Madrid.

The 24-year-old forward completed a medical and is expected to link up with his new teammates in Singapore this weekend, sources told Sky Sports. At Chelsea, he'll reunite with Conte, the manager who brokered his move to Juventus before leaving to take charge of Italy's national team.

Conte admitted that Morata's cost - a reported £58 million rising to £70 million with add-ons - reflects football's "crazy market," but is pleased to welcome the two-time Champions League winner to Stamford Bridge.

"I think for sure he is good signing for us," Conte told reporters ahead of Saturday's friendly with Arsenal in Beijing. "Morata is a young player who has a lot of experience. He has played with Real Madrid and Juventus and has a lot of experience for the league and also in the Champions League."

The Italian handler wouldn't be drawn into talking on unwanted striker Diego Costa, declaring the matter "closed," but Conte's firm declaration of Morata's starting berth further exemplifies how far Costa has fallen down his manager's plans.

While Costa could consider footballing limbo by signing for Atletico Madrid and being ineligible until January due to the club's transfer ban, Conte is looking to press on with his freshened-up frontline.

"Morata for sure is a first choice (for team selection), a good striker, and a player with the right prospects for Chelsea," he continued. "He is very young, for sure he can improve a lot and I hope to show his value with us."

Chelsea follows the weekend's encounter with Arsenal by playing warm-up bouts against Bayern Munich and Inter Milan, before taking on Arsenal once more in August 6's Community Shield event at Wembley.