Diego Costa absent from the start of Chelsea’s preseason

Amid speculation of his imminent departure from Chelsea, Diego Costa was noticeably absent from the beginning of the Blues’ preseason training.

Reports have been flying since the end of the season with regards to Diego Costa’s unceremonious departure from Chelsea. During the season, Costa fueled rumors of his exit for the money bags that is the Chinese Super League. This created a rift between him and boss Antonio Conte, and things haven’t repaired themselves.

Early in June, Conte texted the striker to inform him that he is not in his plans. Conte also informed him to begin looking for a new club to call home. This furthered the idea that Costa had played his last game in a Chelsea kit.

Costa’s preferred transfer is to previous his previous club, Atletico Madrid. However their transfer ban throws a wrench in those plans. Turkish club Besiktas have been linked to take him on loan until January. Whatever his destination, it’s likely Costa will never again suit up for Chelsea.

This morning Chelsea began their preseason training, and the Spanish striker was not present.

In fact, he was partying in Brazil.

Clearly this speaks volumes of Costa’s future at Stamford Bridge. With Manchester United swiping Romelu Lukaku out of Chelsea’s grasp it was possible for Costa to work his way back into Conte’s good graces. Apparently, he was not interested in doing so. Not showing up for training is quite a statement.

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Whether Conte instructed him to not show up or Costa simply didn’t even make an effort knowing he is an outcast is irrelevant here. The main takeaway is that Costa is surely heading for the exit, and Chelsea must quickly find another striker to replace him. The question now is simple: who will it be?