Chelsea Transfer News: Antonio Conte on Diego Costa, Latest Richarlison Rumours

Chelsea manager Antonio Conte has insisted a decision was made in January that Diego Costa would be leaving the club this summer.

Costa has not been part of the Blues' pre-season preparations and is poised to depart Stamford Bridge after three successful campaigns. Speaking about the player's situation, Conte made it clear the writing has been on the wall for the striker for a while.

"I want to tell one thing to clarify the situation because in January the situation was very clear for the club, the player, for Costa, for his agent that when we arrived in June then it would be finished," he said, per John Cross of the Daily Mirror. "It was very clear from January. I took this decision in January and I respected my decision."

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As noted by Cross, the payer and coach have a frosty relationship, with Conte angry at suggestions made by Costa that he was advised he had no future at the club via a text message.

The Blues have evidently opted to back their manager, handing him a new contract and signing Alvaro Morata from Real Madrid for a club-record fee. Still, sports journalist George Stokes doesn't believe Morata is good enough to fill Costa's boots:

While his antics do little to endear him to neutrals, the Chelsea man has been superb in his three seasons at Stamford Bridge.

The ultra-aggressive style of forward play he adopts has left many a defender in a daze. But Costa is a fine technician, a hard worker and a fantastic finisher, too. Morata ticks some of those boxes, although he will need to continue to improve if he's to offer a similarly effective focal point.

All eyes will be on Chelsea in the final knockings of this summer window to see where Costa does end up playing his football next season. It appears he's had a long time to consider his options.

Chelsea Enter Richarlison Race

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According to Simon Jones of MailOnline, Chelsea have made a move to sign Fluminense starlet Richarlison.

"The 20-year-old was expected to join Ajax from Fluminense for £12 million and had provisionally agreed a five-year contract but the Premier League champions have stepped in to try and tempt him to England," noted Jones.

He added that Sampdoria and Inter Milan have been linked with the youngster as of late, as well as AC Milan and Manchester United in the past.

The versatile forward has caught the eye with some excellent performances for the Brazilian club, as well as the Brazilian Under-20 team. Here's what he is all about:

Richarlison is quick with the ball at his feet, strong on either side and supremely skilful. It's not a surprise to see so many massive clubs from European football keen to sign him, and now it appears as though the youngster has a big decision to make.

As things stand, Ajax would arguably be a better club than Chelsea to continue his football education. The Dutch side impressed so many last term on their way to the UEFA Europa League final, with a clutch of rising stars forcing their way into the side. The Blues, by contrast, do not have the best reputation when it comes to giving young players an opportunity.