Chelsea got snapped out of their 13-match winning streak by a confident and technically brilliant Tottenham Hotspur last to last week and opened a can of worms at the Stamford Bridge.
After a start to the season which saw them win 3 and draw 1 and lose 2 in their first 6, many pundits predicted that the Blues will have difficulty in breaking into the Top 4 this season with the Manchester clubs, Arsenal and a settled Liverpool looking like certainties for the top spots. But Conte turned things around and how. After shifting to a 3-4-3 formation, things fell perfectly into shape and under Conte’s passionate yet endearing guidance, the players responded brilliantly and he has turned them into a winning machine in no time.
Things are seemingly rosy at the Stamford Bridge but the saga involving Diego Costa stands out like a sore thumb amidst all the positives. There is a chance the striker might leave the club in the summer with China and Atletico Madrid being touted as possible destinations. It is a known fact that Costa had never fallen in love with the FA and life in general in England and that might be a big reason if he indeed moves.
Let us take a look at 3 possible replacements for the Spaniard in that event-
ANTOINE GRIEZMANN
The French superstar has quickly climbed the ladder and is almost at the pinnacle at such an early age. The star man for club and country, the Atletico Madrid striker is on the wish list of a number of European biggies and if Costa is to make an exit, he will certainly be on Chelsea’s radar as well. His signature will probably require a world-record fee which won’t be out of reach for the Stamford Bridge outfit.
KARIM BENZEMA
The experienced Real Madrid marksman has fallen out of favour at his club and with the compulsion to playing second fiddle to Cristiano Ronaldo at all times overbearing at times, he could indeed decide to seek challenges elsewhere. The class and quality are undeniable and he might want to experience the Premier League and be the main man up top for a change.
PIERRE-EMERICK AUBAMEYANG
The Borussia Dortmund striker has been flirting with the likes of Real Madrid for quite a while now raising questions about his long-term future at Dortmund. While the dream move may not materialise, he might be tempted by a move to England. His wages will be significantly higher and with someone like Conte at the helm and Chelsea’s potential to dominate in Europe once more, the attraction is there.
