Three potential replacements for Chelsea if Diego Costa leaves

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With Diego Costa’s future looking set to become one of the transfer sagas of the summer, it is worth considering alternatives for Chelsea. With rumours linking him to a return to Madrid to rejoin Atlético, the controversial forward’s future remains hugely unclear despite weeks of rumours.

The Blues, including manager Antonio Conte, insist that he will be staying at Stamford Bridge and is ready to fight for his place. Atletico Madrid, meanwhile, ‘unofficially’ claim that they are in talks with the player and a deal is “close”.

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The Spanish; but Brazilian-born, striker joined for £32 million after Chelsea activated his Atlético release clause in his contract. 37 goals in 78 games later, Costa remains a controversial figure after various clashes and disciplinary issues, but the goals are not as free-flowing as they once were, and it remains to be seen if disciplinarian Antonio Conte will have as much patience with his outbursts.

With the latest reports suggesting that Atletico continue to chase the forward, despite Chelsea threatening to complain to FIFA over their approaches to the 27-year-old, this saga looks set to continue, and Chelsea would do well to prepare themselves for any departure with one of these three forwards.

Alvaro Morata

It has been no secret that Antonio Conte and Chelsea have been chasing the Real Madrid striker this summer as the Italian seeks a reunion with the man he first took to Juventus, and with good reason.

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Reports suggest that Antonio Conte sees him as a perfect partner for his compatriot should he stay at Stamford Bridge, but Morata is more than capable of replacing him, as he has done effectively with the Spain national side after Costa was effectively ditched by Vicente Del Bosque in the second half of last season heading into the European Championships, where Morata scored four in as many matches.

The striker scored 27 in 93 games at Juventus, and whilst not quite able to be classed as prolific, he exhibited glimpses of real quality, and both him and Conte feel that they can get the best out of each other. With some reports claiming that a £62 million bid has been rejected by the Madrid club, he could be costly, but appears to be top of Antonio Conte’s list.