Chelsea Transfer News: Blues Lead Andrea Belotti Chase, Diego Costa Exit Rumours

Chelsea are reportedly at the head of the queue to sign Torino striker Andrea Belotti in the summer window.

According to Jack Austin of The Independent, having missed out on Romelu Lukaku, the Blues are on the hunt for another player who can lead the line. It's suggested Chelsea may be willing to match Belotti's €100 million buyout clause too, with manager Antonio Conte becoming increasingly frustrated.

Torino president Urbano Cairo is also quoted in the report, suggesting the player does have suitors.

"I want to understand his intentions; I'm happy for him to stay, not least because we've given up interesting options which didn't reach the €100 million clause," he said. "They weren't real offers, but there were contacts. I don't want to imagine a Toro without Il Gallo."

Here's a reminder of why the man known as Il Gallo is valued so highly by the Serie A outfit:

It's added by Austin that Chelsea also have an interest in Real Madrid forward Alvaro Morata, although they are also said to be aware that there is a dearth of quality centre-forwards on the market.

Belotti is one, with the 23-year-old showing remarkable goalscoring instincts in Serie A last term. As noted by WhoScored.com, the Azzurri sharpshooter is clinical in the penalty area:

The Torino man has other areas to his game. Belotti is far from a tap-in merchant, as he's able to finish with his right foot, left foot and head. Factor in his exceptional work rate and appetite for physical duels, and he is a player that would thrive in English football.

You sense he'd blossom under the guidance of Conte, who demands aggressiveness and industry from all his players. Having seen one key target slip through their fingers to a direct rival, the manager will be desperate to get this one wrapped up quickly if there is genuine interest.

Atletico Madrid Want Swift Diego Costa Solution

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According to Ed Malyon of The Independent, Atletico Madrid are keen to accelerate the transfer of Diego Costa from Chelsea.

In the report, it's noted Atletico boss Diego Simeone is frustrated at missing out on a host of key targets, with the club banned from adding players to their squad until January. With Alexandre Lacazette and Sandro Ramirez choosing other options (Arsenal and Everton, respectively), Costa is said to be a big priority.

Chelsea reportedly value their striker at £30 million, and Malyon suggested "with Diego Simeone increasingly agitated by his side's inability to do business, the Blues expect Atletico to meet their asking price shortly."

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As noted in the report, Costa's Chelsea career appears to be over after he was excused from taking part in the team's opening day of pre-season training.

Sky Sports HQ's Kaveh Solhekol provided more details of the apparent fallout between player and coach:

Costa has been at Chelsea for three seasons, and aside from a disappointing second term, he's been exceptional. His rumbustious, raging style of forward play has been vital in the Blues winning the Premier League title in two of the last three campaigns.

Atletico would be delighted to get Costa back, as he also inspired them to a shock La Liga title win in the 2013-14 season. If Simeone can bring the 28-year-old back and link him up with Antoine Griezmann, his side will be a major force from January onwards next term.