Despite how well loved he is by teammates and fans alike, Diego Costa's time at Chelsea could be coming to an end.
The Spanish international's future at Stamford Bridge has looked bleak since January, when he was rumoured to have had a training ground bust up with manager Antonio Conte, who apparently informed the striker to 'go to China'.
Costa may have remained with the Premier League champions through the second half of the season, rather than take the Chinese Super League's ceaseless millions, but stories about his future have failed to subside, with it seeming increasingly likely that the former Atletico Madrid man will depart Stamford Bridge at the end of the season.
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And if that should happen, Antonio Conte has lined up a shock replacement for his star striker.
The former Juventus manager will look to replace Costa with Fernando Llorente.
Llorente could celebrating a few more goals at Stamford Bridge, next season. Image: PA
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The 32-year-old has been integral in Swansea City maintaining their Premier League status, this season, scoring 14 league goals.
According to The Independent Romelu Lukaku and Alvaro Morata are also on Conte's shopping list, but Llorente, himself a former Juventus employee, like Conte, could still make his way to Stamford Bridge.
It is believed that Llorente would play second fiddle to a more marquee signing, but even still, not many people would have predicted that a move to the newly crowned Premier League champions was in the former Athletic Club striker's future.
Would a move for Llorente make sense for Chelsea? Have your say in the comments section, below.
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(H/T Metro)
Topics: Swansea City, Chelsea FC, Diego Costa