Chelsea will find it hard to replace Costa, says club legend

Chelsea will find it hard to replace striker Diego Costa should he be sold this summer, according to club legend Frank Lampard. 

The Spain international is expected to leave Stamford Bridge once the transfer window opens after revealing he was told via text message that he has no future with the Blues by manager Antonio Conte. 

Costa has been linked with a move to the Chinese Super League, while a return to Atletico Madrid has been mooted, though their transfer ban complicates any deal. 

The 28-year-old has scored 52 league goals since joining from Atletico Madrid in 2014 and Lampard feels Chelsea will struggle to secure an adequate replacement for the striker. 

"He's a fantastic striker and we all saw that last season and since he's been at Chelsea. He would be very difficult to replace, there's no doubt about it," Lampard told Sky Sports. 

"I don't know where Diego Costa's mind is, whether he wants to leave or not, that's all speculation. One thing that is for sure, is that you've got a great striker in him. 

"So, if he stays, brilliant, if he doesn't, then you'll have to go to the top end of the world's strikers to replace him. He's an all-round physical presence that also has the quality to get goals, that's not easy to find in the modern day."

Belgian striker Romelu Lukaku has been linked with a return to Chelsea as Costa’s replacement and Lampard feels the Everton striker is a “good option” for the champions. 

"I know Romelu from playing alongside him, it was early on in his career and he probably didn't get the chances in his first spell at the club," Lampard added. 

"He's certainly developed to a huge degree since he left the club, Romelu would certainly be a good option. The only thing Chelsea have to look at is the inflated market that is around now, it makes it very tough. 

"In terms of an all-round striker, he's proven to have scored goals at Everton, but there are others. I'm sure they'll try and get a player in the same mode as Diego Costa that can give them a physical presence and 20 goals a season."