Transfer Centre

Antonio Conte remains keen on selling Chelsea striker Diego Costa?

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter | 10 July 2017

Chelsea head coach Antonio Conte reportedly remains keen on selling forward Diego Costa, despite their failed pursuit of Romelu Lukaku.

Chelsea head coach Antonio Conte has reportedly not changed his stance regarding the future of striker Diego Costa.

Last month, Costa claimed that Conte had informed him that he was no longer in his plans at Stamford Bridge, and it soon emerged that the Blues were actively looking to sign Romelu Lukaku from Everton.

The Belgian frontman has since decided to join Manchester United but according to Sky Sports News, Conte remains keen on selling Costa at the earliest opportunity.

It has been suggested that the Spanish international would be happy to remain in West London, but a source has been quoted as saying that "he is finished at Chelsea for sure and has played his last game for the club".

Should he leave, Costa is keen on a return to Atletico Madrid, but their transfer ban means that he will be unable to represent his former club until January.

A short-term loan move to another club appears to be the likely conclusion to a saga which is threatening to drag on ahead of the start of Chelsea's defence of the Premier League title.