Forget Costa And Batshuayi – Here Are 3 World-Class Alternatives Chelsea Could Look To Sign If The Striker Duo Leaves

Antonio Conte’s Chelsea are running away with the Premier League title and though the FA Cup is still a firm challenge, the manager has already started looking at potential additions to the squad. Conte will look to keep the core of the squad at the club next season but a number of star players have been linked with an exit recently. Belgian duo Eden Hazard and Thibaut Courtois have been linked with a move to Real Madrid. But two players, who, if they leave, can send Chelsea into a meltdown are Spanish striker Diego Costa and Belgian youngster Michy Batshuayi. Though Batshuayi might eventually leave, Chelsea cannot let Costa leave this summer, especially after his contribution to the club this season. Nonetheless, anything can happen in football and if they end up losing him this summer, they will need quality additions to replace the striking duo this summer. So who can Conte target this transfer window? Here are 3 options that Chelsea can work out if they lose Costa and Batshuayi this summer:

Antoine Griezmann (Atletico Madrid):

The French star is among the best players in the sport at the moment and has been constantly linked with an exit from the Vicente Calderon. He has 22 goals and 11 assists in 40 games in all competitions this season and is one of the most productive players in front of goal in Europe. Manchester United are ready to break the bank for his signature but if Chelsea lose Costa to a big money move, they should have no problem in meeting Griezmann’s value this summer. He is a versatile player who will be a hit in any system and Conte will surely know how to get the best out of him at Chelsea.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Borussia Dortmund):

The Gabon international is another star creating waves in Europe at the moment. Playing in the form of his life for the German outfit, Aubameyang has been an influential star in their run in the domestic league and also in Europe but has been constantly linked with an exit in the summer. He has 30 goals and four assists in 33 games for Dortmund this season and is a perfect fit for Chelsea. Also wanted by Real Madrid, Aubameyang will also not be available on the cheap but again, the money from the sale of Diego Costa should be enough to fund his transfer this summer.

Karim Benzema (Real Madrid):

The last name on the list is the French star from Real Madrid who has been constantly criticized in spite of insane returns in front of goal. Benzema, who is among the top goal scorers in the history of Real Madrid is reportedly up for sale this summer with Zinedine Zidane looking to add a star player and there is no reason why Chelsea should not spend on Karim this summer. With most attributes that can make him a hit in the Premier League, Benzema has 16 goals and 7 assists in all competitions this season and could be a superb replacement for Diego Costa at the Stamford Bridge. At 29, he is in his prime and if Real are determined to get rid of him, he could also be available on the cheap. Surely, Benzema would be a decent option for Chelsea.