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Five Chelsea targets who could replace Diego Costa

By The Pride of London Staff

Chelsea's Brazilian-born Spanish striker Diego Costa reacts to missing a chance during the English Premier League football match between Chelsea and Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge in London on April 1, 2017. / AFP PHOTO / Ian KINGTON / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 75 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo credit should read IAN KINGTON/AFP/Getty Images)
Chelsea's Brazilian-born Spanish striker Diego Costa reacts to missing a chance during the English Premier League football match between Chelsea and Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge in London on April 1, 2017. / AFP PHOTO / Ian KINGTON / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 75 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo credit should read IAN KINGTON/AFP/Getty Images) /
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Diego Costa seems to be perennially on his way out of Stamford Bridge. With a busy summer to come, here are five Chelsea targets who could replace him.

ROME, ITALY – APRIL 09: Dries Mertens of SSC Napoli celebrates the opening goal scored by Jose’ Maria Callejon during the Serie A match between SS Lazio and SSC Napoli at Stadio Olimpico on April 9, 2017 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
ROME, ITALY – APRIL 09: Dries Mertens of SSC Napoli celebrates the opening goal scored by Jose’ Maria Callejon during the Serie A match between SS Lazio and SSC Napoli at Stadio Olimpico on April 9, 2017 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images) /

Dries Mertens – Ollie Miller

This season’s hero in Naples. Newly converted to a striker, Napoli forward Dries Mertens has been a godsend for his side. The Belgian, who normally turns out as a winger, has returned 20 goals in 28 Serie A games.

Chelsea have, in recent years, opted for the big, strong striker to hold up possession and look to bring others into the attack. Mertens provides a different kind of target man up top. Quick, agile and deadly, Mertens gives Chelsea the option to play the ball over the top and into space. Currently, Costa is unlikely to win a footrace with any defenders.

Already not being Costa’s biggest fan, it would be wonderful to see Chelsea change their style and play with a pacey striker. With the attacking talent to complement him, it wouldn’t be foolish to predict 15+ goals from Mertens next season should he join Chelsea.

Costa has provided Chelsea fans with nothing but frustration since January and would be better suited leaving the club if he’s not happy. We all know the dream signing is Paulo Dybala but it’s likely impossible, especially given the new five-year contract. Also, who doesn’t want another Belgian in the Chelsea line-up?

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