With surprise reports that Chelsea striker Diego Costa wants to leave the club and return to Spain after just one season, here’s a look at eight realistic replacements the Blues could try to sign in this summer’s transfer window…
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Chelsea transfer rumours
1) Alexandre Lacazette (Lyon)
One of the best young strikers in Europe this season, Lyon starlet Alexandre Lacazette hit 31 goals in an amazing season and has been linked several times with Chelsea and other big clubs.
2) Edinson Cavani (Paris Saint-Germain)
A long-time target for Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United, PSG striker Edinson Cavani is another big name who would be an excellent like-for-like replacement for Costa up front, bringing goals and a physical presence to the Chelsea attack.
3) Jackson Martinez (Porto)
One of the most prolific and consistent strikers in Europe for the last few years, Jackson Martinez has been a big hit at Porto and could now be on the move to a bigger club, with Chelsea showing an interest in him in the past.
4) Christian Benteke (Aston Villa)
Another powerful centre-forward who’d fit in well at Stamford Bridge, Aston Villa star Christian Benteke has been linked with the Blues and other big sides this summer and could be a good option with a release clause of just £32.5m.
5) Mario Mandzukic (Atletico Madrid)
If Costa does return to Atletico Madrid, there may be an option for Chelsea to try to get Croatian front-man Mario Mandzukic, who looks a Jose Mourinho-style player.
6) Robert Lewandowski (Bayern Munich)
Another of Europe’s very finest forwards, Chelsea could try their luck with a bid for Bayern Munich’s Robert Lewandowski, with the Polish international not entirely settled at the Allianz Arena.
7) Mauro Icardi (Inter Milan)
Another top youngster linked with Chelsea this season, Inter Milan striker Mauro Icardi could be an option for the Blues after an impressive season in Serie A.
8) Radamel Falcao (AS Monaco)
Back at Monaco after a failed loan with Manchester United, Radamel Falcao has emerged as a surprise target for Chelsea, but is the Colombian still capable of being first choice for a big club?
