The striker had his head turned by Tianjin Quanjian in January and could leave in the summer, with the Real man looking like the natural replacement
"I am sure about Diego's commitment," Chelsea boss Antonio Conte remarked following his striker being linked with a move to China last month. "I am sure about his behaviour, sure about his will to fight for this team to try and win the title."
Few were reassured by the Italian's comments; Costa has openly admitted that his future is away from Stamford Bridge, with a summer departure looking increasingly likely.
It was Conte's following line, then, following his decision to drop the Spain international from his squad for a fixture with Leicester that suggested things still weren't quite right between player and manager: "For sure, having the right spirit, this unity in the team, is fundamental if you want to win something.