Chelsea Transfer News: Latest on Graziano Pelle and Diego Costa Rumours

Incoming Chelsea manager Antonio Conte is reportedly hoping to sign Southampton's Graziano Pelle as he looks to bolster his attacking options even more following the capture of Michy Batshuayi, but it could spell the end of Diego Costa's Blues career.

According to Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio (h/t Metro's George Bellshaw), Conte is hoping to sign Pelle following his performances under him with Italy. Matt Lewis of Get West London adds the striker is now in the final year of his deal with Southampton but could still cost £10 million.

Last season, he accrued 14 goals and seven assists for the Saints in all competitions—more than Loic Remy, Radamel Falcao and Alexandre Pato combined.

What's more, he's thrived under Conte for Azzurri, according to GianlucaDiMarzio.com's David Amoyal:

His stats for Italy—for whom he scored against Belgium and Spain at UEFA Euro 2016—would support that, per OptaJoe and OptaPaolo:

The 30-year-old's performance against La Roja was particularly lauded, with Amoyal and football writer Michael Cox hailing his display:

As such, he could certainly make a useful squad player or a partner for Batshuayi given his aerial prowess and ability to create opportunities for others.

The only concern is that he turns 31 this month and is therefore likely to only be a short-term signing. Southampton have already lost Sadio Mane to Liverpool, so they may attempt to drive a hard bargain for Pelle despite the risk of losing him for free next summer.

Nevertheless, if he can help Conte settle in at Stamford Bridge, he may be worth it.

His arrival would put Costa's future in further jeopardy, as it has already been cast into doubt by Batshuayi. According to the Telegraph's Sam Wallace, he "could leave this summer if a deal can be done with Atletico Madrid."

Alastair Grant/Associated Press

Prior to the Batshuayi move, Paul Brown reported in the Daily Star that the Spain striker was angling for a return to his former club, so it seems he may well be leaving.

Costa netted 16 goals and bagged 11 assists in all competitions last season, performing poorly for Jose Mourinho before shining under Guus Hiddink. 

He's shown he can be an excellent player for the Blues, but it could be the case that Conte hopes to go in another direction.

However, if he does opt to stay and Pelle also signs, he will have an even greater variety of options and yet more valuable competition.