Chelsea will regret selling Costa this summer

Despite the enormous price tag, selling Costa will end up being a mistake on Chelsea’s end

A £90 million transfer to China for lead striker Diego Costa should have Chelsea supporters worried. Replacing their top goal scorer will not be an easy task in today’s market. Even when they do manage to bring in a new player, finding a player like Costa will be almost impossible.

Another 20 goal season for the Spaniard has only further proved his worth to the club. The chemistry he has with Hazard makes the duo a menace to any defense they come up against. Costa can play as a hold up player, run in behind, or as a playmaker, creating chances for the likes of Hazard and Pedro. The selflessness he plays with makes him an incredible teammate to play with and a joy for the other 10 players on the pitch.

Though Chelsea have a striker on the bench in Michy Batshuayi, the club will certainly test the market for an attacker. The club has not shown much faith in the Belgian, as he has made just 17 appearances off the bench in the Premier League totaling 113 minutes. At the age of 23, though, Batshuayi could see more playing time as his career goes on at Chelsea.

Likely replacements

Chelsea have been linked with a few strikers to replace Costa. Alvaro Morata from Real Madrid and Romelu Lukaku from Everton. Both players have great goal scoring records this season, with Morata scoring 15 and Lukaku leading the Premier League with 24.

Manager Antonio Conte has already coached Morata at his time with Juventus, so this transfer is looking more likely as the season draws to a close. Lukaku had a stint with Chelsea a few years ago, but never broke through to the first team. He would also have a solid link up with Hazard through the Belgian national team, so it will be interesting to see which player Chelsea decides upon.

Next: Why Chelsea should sell Diego Costa this summer

Replacing the familiarity that Costa possesses in the Chelsea team will not happen overnight. No matter who comes into the team will need time to adjust and develop an understanding in the squad. Chelsea will do themselves the world of good if they can lock down a transfer in the first few weeks of the summer. This will give the new signing ample amounts of time to learn Conte’s system and adjust to the busy season Chelsea is set to have.