Paper Round: Chelsea to spend big as Costa criticises club and Conte

It's Monday's Paper Round. Chelsea are preparing to spend big but DIego Costa has hit out at both the club and manager Antonio Conte.

Costa hits out at Chelsea and Conte

The Mail comes with an explosive exclusive with Chelsea forward Diego Costa. The 28-year-old tells the Mail that he feels he has been treated like 'a criminal' by the club and manager Antonio Conte. Costa said he wanted to renew his contract in January but it was blocked and he couldn't believe that Conte messaged him via text to say he wasn't needed. He also spoke of his desire to return to Atletico and his willingness to stay and train alone in Brazil if Chelsea do not allow him to move. Costa was full of praise for his replacement Alvaro Morata, said he is still talking to many of the Chelsea players and interestingly revealed that Jose Mourinho had been on the phone to check that he's okay. 

Our view: Like Danny Ross, we have been expecting Costa to blow hot and now he's done it. Costa is frustrated about how his situation have been handled. Though he would have loved to remain in Chelsea but he now wished to return to former club, Atletico or remain in Brazil. Costa seems fed up and will go any length to push his way out of the club. Chelsea should do the needful for a player they don't need and let peace return to the dressing room.

Chelsea ready to back Conte with £130m splurge

The Express report that Chelsea are ready to back Conte with a splurge of £130 million on new players following their 3-2 defeat at home to Burnley on Saturday. A bid of £25 million has been made for Valencia's Joao Cancelo whilst offers of £25m, £30m and more than £50m will be made for Danny Drinkwater, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Virgil van Dijk respectively.

 

Our view: The theme since Chelsea lost the Community Shield to Arsenal has been that the team is thin and the club needs more signings. This was made evident in Chelsea's 3:2 defeat to Burnley at home on Saturday. Conte seems to have settled on the his preferred targets but only time will tell if he can get them or pursue other options. The earlier the better as the league enters full gears.

Spurs step up interest in Keita

The Mirror it is reported that Spurs are stepping up their interest in Lazio forward Keita Balde Diao after he was left out of their squad to face Juventus in the Supercoppa. Keita is reportedly keen on a move to the Serie A champions but Lazio would prefer to sell him abroad which has alerted Spurs, West Ham and Ligue 1 champions Monaco.

 

Our view: If the player prefers a switch to Juventus, Spurs might just be fighting a lost battle but the positive for Spurs is that Lazio will prefer to sell to a team abroad than strengthen a local rival.

West Ham confident of signing Carvalho

The Mirror report that West Ham are confident of bringing in William Carvalho from Sporting CP. Carvalho, 25, is reportedly keen on making the move and after intensive talks a fee of £36 million has reportedly been agreed. Carvalho should complete his move in the next week.

 

Our view: West Ham United started the season on a back foot on Sunday losing 4 nill to United. If they are to make any impart in the league this season, they need big signing to help them compete. Carvalho seems to be a nice a nice choice for the hammers but hopes he fits in pretty quick if he eventually signs for them.