If you are a Chelsea fan, you are most probably watching the Costa-Conte fiasco in awe, shocked at how the club’s top-scorer could be forced out of the club. Despite returning to his best last season, the Spaniard admitted that the Blues boss no longer wants him at Stamford Bridge.
The former Atletico ace dropped this bombshell to reporters after Spain’s 2-2 draw with Colombia, which he watched from the bench. The player admitted to receiving a text from Conte saying that he is no longer in the Italian’s plans for next season.
Antonio’s text to Costa, and the striker’s decision to go public with it, could cost the Premier League champions millions. Diego was the target of a £72m move from China, but those rumors have since died down.
Now that Costa’s situation at Chelsea is public, no European club will cut a fat cheque for a 28-year-old unwanted striker. The Spaniard has stated in the past that he would only leave for a return to Los Rojiblancos, but a transfer ban prohibits that move from happening until January 2018.
Then there is Chelsea’s Lukaku chase. The Toffees are unlikely to budge on their £100m valuation since Conte’s side are in desperate need of a reliable striker.
Costa could even seek a loyalty bonus if sold. Since it’s not the player who asked to be sold but the club looking to force him out, the Spaniard could demand a payoff.
This latest bust-up in their rocky relationship emerged from a text sent by the Italian to every first-team member. According to the Daily Mail, he wished the players a happy holiday before advising them to remain active and maintain fitness.
Costa’s reply, though not provocative, left a bad taste in the manager’s mouth, prompting a response from Conte which has left the player in hunt for a new club.
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