Chelsea boss Antonio Conte throws Diego Costa’s future into doubt after Real Madrid loss

ANTONIO CONTE has admitted he doesn’t know if Diego Costa will remain a Chelsea player.

Posted Sunday, July 31, 2016 by Dailystar.co.uk

Costa has been closely linked with a return to Atletico Madrid this summer.

But he looked ready to stay put with Conte unsure whether he had enough firepower in reserve to let the 27-year-old seek a move away from west London.

However the new Blues boss has plunged Costa’s future back into doubt by refusing to confirm whether the Brazil-born Spain international will still be at Stamford Bridge next season.

EXIT: Diego Costa

Speaking after Chelsea’s 3-2 pre-season loss to Real Madrid, which Costa missed with a back problem, Conte said: “I can say today that Costa is a Chelsea player.

"He didn’t play in this game because of injury and if he solves this injury and I see him in training and he is in good shape, then it can be possible to see him in our next game against Milan.

"I speak for today and today Costa is a Chelsea player. Tomorrow, if you ask me if Costa will remain with us, I don’t know.”

His comments come as Romelu Lukaku reportedly closes in on a return to Chelsea.

The Blues are apparently confident they can re-sign the striker with an offer of around £60m, despite Everton’s mammoth £75m valuation of the 23-year-old.

"I don’t want to speak about players of other teams,” said Conte when questioned on Lukaku.