Chelsea: Costa will leave; midfielder targeted by China; Madrid striker eyed as replacement

Add as preferred source on Google

Diego Costa will be sold… but not until the summer, according to the Telegraph. They claim that Costa is now back training at the club on his own as the squad enjoy time off, but Antonio Conte will not tolerate his behaviour and is happy to fulfill his wishes and allow him to depart Stamford Bridge in the summer when the club have more time to find a replacement.

Embed from Getty Images

This is only added to by rumours in the Times which state that Costa turned down a five year contract extension which would see him earn a £50,000 per week pay rise only a few weeks before the row between the striker and manager Antonio Conte.

Perhaps equally as concerningly, the Telegraph claim that attacking midfielder Willian, who temporarily filled in for Costa against Leicester City at the weekend, is the latest Chelsea player to attract interest from the Chinese Super League. Details are vague but he could follow in the footsteps of close friend Oscar who left earlier this month for Asia.

Embed from Getty Images

Willian’s loss would be a disaster for the club after he was awarded the club’s player of the year award last season and has maintained his very high level of performances this season even when opportunities have been limited.

The Telegraph are also among the many sources to suggest that the club could return to summer target Alvaro Morata as a replacement for Diego Costa in the Blues front line. The Spaniard has made just six La Liga starts from 18 games with only one start in six Champions League fixtures so far this season and is said to be growing frustrated by the lack of opportunities.

Embed from Getty Images

The 24-year-old played under Antonio Conte at Juventus and was subject to a bid from the Blues in the summer but their move was unsuccessful and the club gave up on their attempts to bring him in. Now, funds from the sale of Costa could be used to satisfy Real Madrid’s asking price.

Featured Image: All rights reserved by Aca Respiramos Fútbol.