The Chelsea fans in the Transfer Tavern are hoping that their side will be able to hang onto Diego Costa this month…
Costa has undoubtedly been Chelsea’s most important player so far this season, with his goals proving invaluable en route to Chelsea’s table-topping first-half of the season.
It came as a huge blow, then, when reports emerged that suggested that he could be set to leave the club – leaving many in the Tavern seriously concerned ahead of the second-half of the season.
Antonio Conte must prepare for the future, though, and whilst he will surely be hoping that Costa won’t leave – he must have a backup plan should the worst case scenario occur.
He needs to look for a replacement forward that could continue to offer goals to the Chelsea cause – and those are not very easy to come by.
With that said, these 3 strikers are perfect replacements for Costa at Chelsea if he leaves…
Thomas Muller
Thomas Muller is, undoubtedly, one of the most prolific forwards in Europe – but under Carlo Ancelotti, the German has fallen out of favour.
Whilst a regular fixture for Bayern Munich in the past, Ancelotti’s formation leaves no room for the forward – meaning that he could be looking for a departure.
In terms of what he could offer the Blues, in simple terms – he would score goals. His goalscoring is remarkable, with the German picking up 20 in the Bundesliga last season.
He is also just 27-years-old, meaning that he is entering the prime of his career.
Alvaro Morata
Alvaro Morata doesn’t boast the goalscoring record for Thomas Muller, but like the German – he would bring so much to this Chelsea team.
He is different to Costa, in that he is more technical than physical – but the impact he would have on the Premier League is huge.
He has scored 5 La Liga goals so far this season, despite rarely featuring. If Conte can offer him regular game time, his head could be turned.
Romelu Lukaku
If Conte wants a more direct replacement for Costa, Romelu Lukaku could be his man.
Big and physical, just like Costa, Lukaku also boasts a fairly similar goalscoring record to the Spaniard – meaning that he could be the perfect replacement.
He will likely cost a lot, but he could be the best option – given that he is experienced in the Premier League.
Chelsea will likely get a decent fee for Costa – and Lukaku would likely be available for less.
