Diego Costa hopes Everton striker Romelu Lukaku will rejoin his former club.
Everton’s Romelu Lukaku
Chelsea striker Diego Costa has cast doubt on his future, saying he could be leaving the London club in the summer.
The Spain international has backed Everton striker Romelu Lukaku to replace him, and ushered heaps of praise on the Belgian.
Costa, 28, has enjoyed a brilliant 2016/17 Premier League campaign where he scored 20 league goals for the Champions.
He saw his move to the Chinese Super League blocked by Chelsea in January, and was reportedly involved in a training ground row with manager Antonio Conte.
Chelsea’s Diego Costa shoots at goal
Costa insists that there is a high possibility of him leaving the club during the summer transfer window. He suggested that Chelsea should consider signing Lukaku this summer.
“I do not know – that’s a decision for the club,” said Costa, as quoted by The Independent. “Of course Lukaku is a very big player who played an impressive season. I hope he can sign at Chelsea because it’s a unique club.
“He is a big player and has an impressive future for himself. The past matches have proven that he has quality and scoring ability.
“He is a boy who will take great steps. Hopefully he will continue to grow – he has all the qualities to stay here. Batshuayi may stay because he’s young and I could be leaving.”
Everton’s Romelu Lukaku
Lukaku, 24, joined Chelsea in 2011 from Anderlecht, and made only 10 appearances for the Blues. He spent successful loan spells at West Bromwich Albion, and Everton, before moving to the Merseyside club on a permanent deal in 2014.
The Belgian has enjoyed a superb campaign for the Toffees and has scored 25 goals in all competitions. While Chelsea are reportedly keen to sign him this summer, the striker won’t come cheap.
Everton have reportedly slapped a £100 million price tag (Daily Mail) which could prove to be a stumbling block in securing a deal for him.
Chelsea’s Diego Costa
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
