Antonio Conte has given Chelsea a new face under his tutelage, steadied the ship and steered them to the summit of the league table. As a matter of fact, after such a shambolic 2015-16 campaign, the new reign under the Italian gaffer wasn’t expected to reap such huge dividends. Conte’s brigade sit seven points clear of second-placed outfit, Tottenham Hotspur, and are arguably the favourites to clinch the silverware in the merry month of May. But just when it appeared like Chelsea were away from woes, in came Diego Costa with his tantrums to embarrass the Blues camp.
Interest from China, Barcelona and Atlético Madrid have triggered a dilemma for the Spaniard as to whether he should hang on at the Stamford Bridge, at least until the summer of 2017. Costa has been on fire this term, banging goals like it’s a child’s play. He has carried the forward line on his own with the flamboyance and precision, which the Pensioners missed so much last season. However, the 28-year-old has cultivated a pretty awkward situation for himself as he is sceptical about his stay at the London-based club.
Conte is apparently in no mood to take chances or be complacent. It is being reported that he has set his sight on Lazio’s Keita Balde as a potential replacement in the summer, in case his ‘bad boy’ decides to quit the club. The Lazio frontman is no saint himself, for he refused to train in the summer with his side and wanted a move away. However, things cooled a bit and the Senegal international is enjoying a superb season in the Serie A, but there is still the possibility of a move if a mega-club like Chelsea come with open arms to his doorstep.
In 16 appearances in Italy’s top tier football, Keita has scored 5 goals, bagged 2 assists and has created as many as 27 chances. The 21-year-old has been knitting the side up front and also boasts of a healthy pass percentage of 82%. He has undoubtedly been one of the standout performers due to which he has generated a lot of attention for himself in Europe.
Considering the torrid scenario with respect to Costa, Conte should keep a close tab on this stupendously promising youngster who ticks a lot of boxes associated with a lethal attacker. Although his contract expires in June 2018, Keita has shown it in the past that if situation permits, he would not hesitate to enter into new and lucrative endeavours. Chelsea offer both, don’t they?!
Statistics Credits: Squawka.
