He's a pain in the neck, and no doubt Conte's frustrations with him are justified. But is he worth keeping anyway? We are looking for a target man right now, and there is nothing comparable in the marketplace - even paying over £70M. Aubameyang is a great goalscorer, but I just can't see how he could replace Costa as a target man. He seems more of a lightening quick goalscorer playing on the break - and that doesn't seem to be Conte's plan. I think Conte would prefer someone like Llorente.
I can't see us signing Morata for less than £80M (which the Chelsea board are unlikely to sanction), and it seems he wants to go to Milan anyway. Belotti would cost £88M, and is untested in Europe (although I have a feeling he would be excellent). Rumours about Aguero are ridiculous, and even he wouldn't be a like for like player. Why would we consider selling Costa for £30M when there's nothing like him elsewhere? It just doesn't make sense. It's a World Cup year - Costa will still be playing for his world cup place, so it's not like he won't try. I can understand Conte's wish to get rid of a player who may be a bad influence on the squad - but isn't he better than the alternatives right now? It seems like there are very few good options.
Costa
posted on 17/7/17
Why do you assume Conte wants a target man? He brought Tevez at Juve who isn't exactly a target man.
Someone like PEA playing quick football with Hazard and Pedro could work very well indeed.
posted on 18/7/17
Why are we looking for a target man when we havnt had one since drogba left?
Best football we played this year was when costa was linking up with hazard and Pedro or when costa was out for a few games and we played hazard Pedro and Willian.
Costas hold up play was one of his worst attributes
posted on 18/7/17
I think its perfectly clear that all subjective emotions must be put aside regarding Diego Costa. Unless the dream signing is done and dusted ( at this point unlikely) we need to include Costa in our plans next term. Failing that its going to Costa us more, much more than it does him.
posted on 18/7/17
Diego! Diego! Diego! what is it going to cost us replacing you Bloo?
posted on 18/7/17
Can't believe conte was stupid enough to text Costa before we got a replacement in, It weakens any position we had in the transfer market and now may end up with some garbage striker for a year.
posted on 18/7/17
Conte is a very good coach, but has created a massive headache for the club.
Why txt ya top striker an sack him an you havent even made a bid for top target, and then for him to go to a rival an you then being forced to make a last min bid in desperation has left you with egg in your face!
Oh well at least somone within the club didnt run round saying weve signed van dyke, only to then have to apoligize an run off this has been a rediculqs window to be hinest!!!
posted on 18/7/17
In answer to a few questions - I'm not suggesting that I think we can only sign a big target man. I like the idea of Aubameyang (although it appears today in the news that BVB are no longer willing to sell anyway). But all the players that are rumoured to be wanted by Conte (Lukaku, Llorente, Morata, Benteke etc) all have that big target man style of play to a greater or lesser extent. Perhaps the rumours are false, and Conte is open to other options - but if so why are we not signing any?
It originally seemed like Batshuayi was on his way out on loan - but he must be in line for a starting position right now. I can't see Man City selling Aguero, especially to a direct competitor, and unless the Chelsea board suddenly open the purse strings (which I can't see happening) we are not going to make a huge purchase like Belotti. But I also can't see Conte eating humble pie and welcoming Costa back into the fold. I'm not sure what options are realistic at this stage. Remy?
posted on 18/7/17
Blue,we've already sold Remy
posted on 18/7/17
Lukaku doesn't conform/align with "target man style", therefore shouldn't be in that bracket.
Off the shoulder striker, learning how to adequately lead the line.
posted on 18/7/17
comment by DreamTeamBlue ! دريم تيم بلو ! (U5861)
posted 1 hour, 48 minutes ago
Blue,we've already sold Remy
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You'd think, wouldn't you. But he played for us, and scored, in the game against Fulham at the weekend.