Five Chelsea targets who could replace Diego Costa

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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LONDON, ENGLAND – APRIL 01: Michy Batshuayi of Chelsea looks on while warming up prior to the Premier League match between Chelsea and Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge on April 1, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images) /

Michy Batshuayi – Dan McClue

Poor Michy Batshuayi. He has immediately endeared himself to Chelsea fans with his brilliant social media presence. His impressive cameos off the bench have helped, too.

Unfortunately, that is all we’ve seen from the young Belgian striker. Antonio Conte’s weird love affair with Diego Costa has lead to an apparent hatred of all things Batshuayi.

Around January Batman was linked with a loan to almost every team in the world. Conte even claimed that he was ready, but just needed minutes.

SO GIVE HIM THE MINUTES THEN.

In just 113 minutes (from a ridiculous 17 substitute appearances) in the league, Batshuayi has one goal and one assist. In three EFL Cup games he has two goals, and in two FA Cup games he has two goals. He even scored two goals in a start for the Development Squad.

He scores goals and is very, very good at it. His off the ball movement could use improvement, but he handles the pace of the game well and is a sublime finisher.

Conte insists he isn’t ready for the physicality of the league, which is quite frankly ridiculous.

Costa has been bad in 2017 and his goals in the first half of the season covered over his shortcomings. Batshuayi is an insanely talented young player who could develop into a very dominant striker. He just needs the minutes on the pitch.

Chelsea wouldn’t be worrying about Costa possibly leaving as much had Batshuayi been given sufficient minutes on the pitch.

There’s a weird undertone as to why the Belgian isn’t playing, all the signs are there saying he should be starting, but Conte refuses.

#FreeBatshuayi

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