Maurizio Sarri has responded to reports linking Alvaro Morata with a departure from Chelsea by stating that the Blues only want to keep their top players "if they want to be here".

The Spain striker is rumoured to be pining for a return to Serie A, where he spent two reasons at Juventus between 2014 and 2016.

Morata put in an impressive performance as Chelsea beat Inter Milan on penalties in Saturday's International Champions League meeting at the Allianz Riviera but Sarri suggested that the 25-year-old's days at Stamford Bridge may be numbered.

"Morata? We want to keep our best players but not at all costs," the Italian told Sky Sports News.

"We want to keep our top players but only if they want to be here. We can try to convince some players but let's see how it goes. We want to keep improving."

AC Milan have been linked with a move for Morata, who scored just 11 goals in his maiden Premier League campaign.