Amid a striker crisis, should Chelsea give Diego Costa another chance in the first team?

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Despite having been informed by text that he would form no part of the Chelsea squad in the 2017/18 season, The Sun claim that Diego Costa is set for showdown talks over a potential return to the fold at Stamford Bridge.

The news comes as Antonio Conte considers his options after missing out on top striker target Romelu Lukaku to title rivals Manchestser United.

Logically, it would make sense. Atletico Madrid are the runaway favourites for Costa’s signature but are unable to register any new players until 1st January 2018, meaning a short term home will have to be found for the striker until then. If Chelsea could provide that home, they may find a solution to their striker crisis until mid-season, or at least give themselves some insurance as cover.

It has easily been forgotten that Costa was the club’s top scorer and hugely important to their success in 2016/17. With 22 goals, 14 of them coming in his first 18 games of the season, there are few players with such a prolific track record in the Premier League.

With Antonio Conte seemingly on the hunt for a striker with physical presence who can lead them to success in the Premier League and the Champions League, it seems baffling to ignore one of the best candidates in the game who is right before his eyes.

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There will though be concerns over the striker’s attitude. A disruptive influence at many different points throughout his career, Antonio Conte may not be convinced that Costa would give his all on the pitch or on the training ground knowing that his days are numbered.

That caused problems after a reported bust up in January of last season. Having notched 14 in 18 up to that point, Costa recorded just eight goals from his next 23 fixtures from that point on. For that reason, the argument that Costa will provide guaranteed goals may be questioned.

What is clear is that bringing Costa back into a prominent role in the Chelsea squad is a gamble. The Spaniard is unpredictable at the best of times, and if Conte can bring in an alternative then he surely will, but there are worse options to have as a last resort.

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