Chelsea have had an absolute shocker with Diego Costa. He’s been a superb player on the pitch for the league leaders. But that fiery temperament has often caused problems and the latest stand off may threaten to derail the Chelsea title charge.
Costa seemingly wants a move to China where he would be earning enough to buy a small island every week. It’s difficult to understand why he would be prepared to trade top level football simply for more money when his levels of remuneration are already so astronomical.
But it appears aver more likely that, while the Spaniard won’t be allowed to leave in this window, this will be his last season at the club.
And a manager like Antonio Conte will already be planning a side without the marksman in the eventuality that the player does leave.
And latest reports suggest that a new centre forward has already been lined up to take the place of the Chelsea number 19.
British media outlet, The Telegraph, reports that:
Diego Costa returned to first-team training on Tuesday, but Chelsea head coach Antonio Conte has already identified Alvaro Morata as his preferred long-term successor.
The report states that Costa and Conte have put their differences behind them and the player has started training with the first team again after some fitness sessions on his own.
But it seems to be an uneven truce and Morata would be a fantastic replacement.
Still only 24, the 6ft 2in Spain international is consistent and effective. He has an excellent scoring record with his country of 8 goals in 18 games and he’s also done really well at Real Madrid this season with 9 in 23 games.
That was after two successful years out on loan at Juventus in Italy where he bagged 27 in 93 games for the Old Lady.
TFF would expect Morata to wear the number 9 shirt at Chelsea.
He’s not the quickest player in the world – but neither is Costa – what these two share is magnificent technique and an eye of the finish.