Chelsea

Chelsea blame Conte for sanctioning the sale of reliable forward

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Chelsea are reportedly contemplating legal options over head coach Antonio Conte role in Diego Costa’s move to Atletico Madrid.

The London-based club believes the striker would have fetched more money if not for the acrimonious circumstances surrounding his transfer. Costa infamously revealed to reporters last summer that Conte sent him a text message informing him to find a new club.

Conte eventually signed Spaniard Alvaro Morata as his replacement but the player has struggled to meet expectations.

Costa was key to Chelsea winning the league in Conte’s first season, the 29-year-old scored 20 league goals in 35 appearances for the Blues. After the text message fiasco, it became clear that the player was no longer welcome at Chelsea. He subsequently transferred to current club Atletico Madrid.

Chelsea are claiming the player should have commanded a higher fee that matches his status as a top striker in Europe.

The Stamford Bridge club had initially set the asking price for the Spaniard at £60 million. However, they had to settle for a transfer fee of £32 million. This looks a bargain due to the current state of the transfer market.

Costa has gone on to win the Europa League in his first full season at Atletico. The Spanish striker has been exceptional in the 2018 World Cup  where he has scored three goals in two appearances.

Embattled Chelsea Conte is expected to be relieved of his duties next week with Maurizio Sarri set to be named new boss.

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