Diego Costa pours doubt over Chelsea exit talk

Spain international Diego Costa has reportedly hinted that he could stay put at Chelsea beyond the current campaign. The Brazilian-born striker has been constantly linked with a Blues exit since his fallout with Antonio Conte in training earlier in the season.

A recent report from Sky Sports suggested that the 28-year-old could make way from Stamford Bridge in the summer with the Blues’ hierarchy willing to accept a significant package for his sale to Chinese club Tianjin Quanjian.

However, Costa has seemingly dismissed the speculation by insisting that he is the ‘owner of his own future’ ahead of this summer’s transfer window.

“I am the owner of my future and it does not mean that I am going to China.” he told South American broadcasters DirecTV Sports, via Sky Sports.

Costa had a stutter in his form following his bust-up with Conte at the turn of the year, but he has since managed to recover his old self to play a key role in the Blues run-in to the Premier League title.

The former Atleti man has scored 20 or more goals in two separate seasons in west London, therefore becoming only the third player in the Blues’ history to achieve this feat.

Blues boss Conte has previously refused to rule out the potential exit of Costa in the summer, but the latest statement from the player could provide the assurance of his stay beyond the current campaign.

Despite this, the west London giants will be on the hunt for a new striker to add to their ranks with Conte not entirely convinced with the abilities of Michy Batshuayi, who could be on the move this summer.

The likes of Alvaro Morata and Romelu Lukaku have been heavily tipped to link up with Chelsea, who will return to their familiar ground of Champions League football for the 2017/18 season.

Chelsea will be crowned champions of England for the fifth time in the Premier League era, should they beat West Bromwich Albion at the Hawthorns on Friday night.

Image – Getty