Since the announcement that Antonio Conte will succeed Guus Hiddink as full time Chelsea manager, rumours have been rampant in the tavern over who might be leaving the Bridge as Conte looks to make his mark on this Chelsea team.
A number of incomings and outgoings are expected this summer, as Conte rebuilds a faltering team in his own image.
A number of names have been linked with the exit door since his arrival, with Diego Costa a main target with the press.
You can definitely see why the links are being made; We think Diego Costa might be a shoe in for a Chelsea exit this summer.
Hit Conte below to see FIVE reasons he has to axe Diego Costa next season!
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Out of Form
Perhaps the most immiediate issue that might cause Costa to leave this summer is the fact that last year, he simply wasn’t very good.
Sure, in contrast to the rest of the side, he did stand out as above average. But if you consider the average Chelsea player to get a 3/10 last season; Costa was certainly no more than a 4 or 5 most of the time.
On top of this, when compared to his debut season in England, where he knocked up 20 league goals; last season’s performances simply didn’t cut it.
If he struggles again next season, his market value will drop drastically; meaning it is no or never for the Chelsea board to act.
On top of this, his poor performances last year may be indicative of a larger issue with Costa.
Inconsistent
Inconsistency is an issue that has been used to describe Chelsea for a number of years; but Diego Costa has become the epitome of the description since he joined the Blues.
He will play a game and get a hat trick, and then a week later he will hardly show up at all. And probably get a yellow card.
When you’re looking to build a team around a star striker; one thing they need to be is consistent.
Unfortunately, he simply isn’t that.
Disciplinary Record
Since his arrival at the Bridge, Costa’s time has been marred by disciplinary issues.
Whether it be poor challenges, off the field incidents, or simply losing his cool; Costa very rarely reacts calmly.
Now he has that reputation, the media often grab their pitchforks at the hint of him doing something wrong, meaning there is no real room for error for the Spaniard anymore. Everything he does is looked at under the microscope.
This is particularly important when you consider how important branding and market appeal is in modern day football.
When your star striker is making a fool of himself on the pitch, scratching and biting people and getting sent off; it definitely isn’t good for buisness
Reportedly Unhappy
With a number of clubs circling, most notably his old stomping ground Athletico Madrid, it also appears that Diego Costa is unhappy at life in England.
The Express are reporting once again that Costa wants to the leave the club, which perhaps goes a ways to understanding why he has performed so poorly recently.
The idea of returning to Madrid has certainly crossed the strikers mind, and if he is truly unhappy with the Blues; then they really have no choice but to send him packing.
Alternatives
With Costa producing all this extra baggage; Chelsea must be looking out of the corner of their eye at some of the alternatives they could bag if they were to sell Costa.
It is likely that Chelsea would charge between £40 and £50 million for the striker, which is a pretty hefty chunk of change that could be spent elsewhere.
For example, it looks like Gonzalo Higuain might be on the way out of Napoli this summer, and with the striker bagging 71 goals in 104 games for for club; he could be an excellent choice.
Costa hasn’t been as prolific as Chelsea had hoped, especially last year. When you add his unhappiness and his poor disciplinary record into the mix; maybe a move really is best for both parties.
