Conte won’t count in Costa
ANTONIO CONTE has fuelled doubts about Diego Costa’s Chelsea future.
The Blues boss has refused to confirm he wants striker Costa to stay at Stamford Bridge next season.
Costa kissed the Chelsea badge after scoring their FA Cup Final consolation in the 2-1 defeat against Arsenal.
When it was put to him the Spanish striker didn’t look like a player who wants away – and was then asked if he plans to keep Costa – Conte refused to give any assurances.
He said: “It’s important for me to take two or three days to rest and then to speak about the future, for my players, for all.”
Chelsea fought to keep Costa in January after his head was turned by mega-money interest from China. But with Super League club Tianjin Quanjian lining up a fresh £75million move the Blues were willing to cash in as frustration grew with the temperamental frontman.
Changes to Chinese spending laws then threatened the move and Costa added another twist when he said: “I’ll only leave Chelsea for Atletico. If not I will stay here.”
Atletico Madrid have revived their interest having failed to re-sign Costa last summer. But their hopes depend on what happens with Manchester United target Antoine Griezmann and if they can get their transfer ban overturned this week.
With two years left on Costa’s deal, the Blues could become backed into a corner.
And that might affect their own plans with Everton’s Romelu Lukaku and Real Madrid’s Alvaro Morata on their radar.
Conte is hoping to finalise Chelsea’s transfer plans, knowing they were lucky with injuries this term, and added: “Don’t forget we weren’t the champions and now we start next season as the champions.”