“It will be difficult for Chelsea to replaced Costa” – Frank Lampard

Frank Lampard has told that Antonio Conte that it will be hard to replaced Diego Costa if the Spain forward leaves the club.

Costa revealed he would be interested in re-joining former club Atletico Madrid having been told by manager Antonio Conte that he does not feature in his plans for next season.

Atletico are unable to register any new players this summer having been banned from transfer by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) earlier this month, meaning Costa would not be able to feature until January if he did complete a move back to the club before the start of next season.

Chelsea striker Costa scored 20 goals in 35 Premier League appearances last season as Chelsea cruised to the title, leaving Lampard in no doubt that only few forwards could replace the 28-year-old.

“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, Chelsea’s all-time record scorer, told Sky Sports News HQ.
“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.”