Diego Costa's future at Chelsea has been in doubt for most of this season with reports linking him with a return to his former club Atletico Madrid or a move to the Chinese Super League. A move to Atletico this summer is definitely ruled out after Diego Simeone's team were handed a transfer ban but one thing that is confirmed is that Costa is set to leave Chelsea.
The Spaniard was in the squad for Spain's friendly against Colombia and although he did not feature, his comments after the match have left all the Chelsea fans in shock. The striker revealed that he got a text from Chelsea manager Antonio Conte saying that he is not counting on him next season.
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The Chelsea forward also mentioned that part of the reason why Conte came to this decision was because his form during the second half of the season dipped and confirmed his was on the lookout for a new club.
"I had a simple little message on my mobile from Conte in which he said that he isn't counting on me for next season. It will be because I've done badly this year. It's a shame. I've forwarded the message on to the people at the club for them to decide but it's clear that the coach isn't counting on me and he doesn't want me there," goal.com quoted Costa as saying.
"I'm on the market and so I'm looking for a team. If the coach doesn't want you, you have to leave."
Costa had hinted that a possible return to Atletico Madrid was on the cards but now with their transfer ban, he will have to look elsewhere or he could sign a pre-contract and sit out the first six months until their ban ends. Costa's future will be revealed soon and given the calibre of player he is, he will without doubt have a lot of clubs after him.
With Conte telling Costa he can leave, this can only mean that Chelsea have a striker good enough to take his place in the starting 11 and the name that comes up is Romelu Lukaku. The former Chelsea player has been constantly linked with a move back to Stamford Bridge since he revealed he wants to leave Everton.
Reports say that the Blues are willing to pay £80 million to get the big Belgian and will also double his wages that will see him earn over £150,000-a-week, which is also more than what Costa earns. Lukaku stated recently that his future has already been decided so it's just a matter of time before it becomes public.
"My agent knows what's going to happen. I know what I want to do, and whenever something happens, you guys will know. What I would like most is to play in the Champions League and to try and win the Premier League once - or better, a few times," Sky Sports quoted Lukaku as saying.
"That would be the most beautiful thing. That's important for my progress as a player. I don't want to stay at the same level. I want to improve and I know where I want to do that."
