Rumour Reel: Who is being lined up as Diego Costa replacements at Chelsea?
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Coral’s Rumour Reel on Diego Costa replacements
Stories about Diego Costa replacements at Chelsea have given the Sunday tabloids a field day.
The Brazil-born Spain striker’s bust-up with Blues coaches, including boss Antonio Conte, has plunged his Stamford Bridge future into doubt as an offer from the Chinese Super League is said to be on the table for Costa.
Coral football experts bring you all the latest speculation on the Premier League leaders’ plans, with Alvaro Morata to Chelsea gossip and Thomas Muller also linked in our Rumour Reel…
Morata to Chelsea?
Costa’s international teammate Morata signed for Juventus after Conte left Turin to take the Italy national job, but reports claim he persuaded the Old Lady hierarchy to bid for the Real Madrid academy graduate.
Morata was sold back to Los Blancos this past summer, but competes with Karim Benzema to lead the Bernabeu attack among a galaxy of stars.
Rangy forward Morata, 24, would suit the fluid 3-4-3 system currently used by the Blues under Conte as he is always willing to run the channels.
Llorente a back-up option?
Last week, we brought you news of apparent Chelsea interest in Swansea City striker Fernando Llorente.
Conte signed the Basque Country target man for Juve during his time in Turin and he would offer the Blues the same physical presence and focal point as Costa.
At this stage, however, it is understood Llorente, 31, is only Chelsea’s back-up striker target behind either Morata or Bayern Munich marksman Muller.
Big money move for Thomas Muller?
If Costa is sold, then the Blues could bid as much as £75m for versatile Germany forward Muller, 27.
Since Carlo Ancelotti replaced Pep Guardiola at the Allianz Arena, Muller has struggled for form and is said to be unhappy. Where could he move to? Check out our five destinations for Muller.
That has put Europe’s elite on red alert, with Manchester United and Manchester City ready to rival the Blues if Bayern indicate they are willing to cash in on Muller.
