How Chinese money could make Chelsea even better

This summer’s transfer window could prove to be among the most exciting in footballing history. So many leagues now boast massive spending power. The Premier League has always been at the forefront when it comes to financial muscle flexing but they are suddenly being usurped by the world’s surprise league package. The Chinese Super League has been throwing around serious dosh in recent months. Several very talented players have decided to claim their fair share from all that Chinese money.

Hulk, Oscar, and Alexandre Pato have all swapped area codes. So has Carlos Tevez, despite huge bags of money being the only real draw for the upstart league. Without Champions League football of the UEFA variety, or European television exposure, some migrants have found it exceptionally difficult to put forth a convincing case for their continued involvement in national setups, given they are playing at a far lower standard.

Chelsea’s Diego Costa is one such player whose future has come under scrutiny. The Brazilian-born Spanish international has fronted the Blues title challenge this term, as the club seeks redemption following an awful 2015/16 campaign. Costa has netted 19 league goals and picked up six assists. Further, the striker will play a pivotal role in Chelsea’s FA Cup final matchup with Arsenal at Wembley.

Still hunting two trophies, Costa can be forgiven for ignoring any talk about his future. However, there have been continued rumblings over whether China’s wealth will see him move east.

Would this be such a bad thing for Chelsea? Costa struggled massively last term as the Blues flirted with relegation for a significant period. He did experience a slight rejuvenation, along with most teammates, as the campaign came to a close. This season, under Antonio Conte, there has been a massive upturn in the Blues’ fortunes and performances.

Costa, Eden Hazard, and N’Golo Kante have all been massively influential for the champions elect. Thus, many question how Chelsea might cope without its combative striker? While he has been outstanding with his finishing and aggression, the testy forward has taken the latter to dangerous extremes at times. As Ander Herrera demonstrated at Old Trafford, Costa can be lured into an individual battle with an opposition player, stunting his attacking ability.

Moreover, Romelu Lukaku’s continued improvement with Everton offers Chelsea a familiar, fantastic replacement should it lose Costa. True, the Belgian may be opposed to returning to Stamford Bridge. Still, he and Everton might find the insane money dangled before them from a Costa transfer to China too sizable to resist.

Chelsea would gain a striker with even more power and pace, at least Costa’s equal in clinical finishing, with more years ahead, and an easier temperament. As with David Luiz, Lukaku’s return would be credited to the club’s recent uptick in transfer sagacity.

China’s millions have been seen as problematic for European football. The CSL’s ability to pay huge sums will lure real talent away from Europe’s top leagues. Handled correctly, however, Chelsea can benefit from a huge cash injection. Costa has surely been tempted by an eastern pilgrimage. Why shouldn’t the Blues profit from the situation while making room for its next generation?