Chelsea will miss Diego Costa, says captain Gary Cahill

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Bengaluru, August 10: Premier League holders Chelsea club captain Gary Cahill admits the Blues will miss striker Diego Costa this season.

Blues head coach Antonio Conte had informed the Spain striker he is surplus to requirements at Stamford Bridge, with the pair having fallen out in January over Chelsea's reported refusal to allow Costa to move to the Chinese Super League.

Costa has been Chelsea's top scorer in each of his three seasons with the Blues, including two title wins, and still remains at the club, with Atletico Madrid's interest in re-signing the striker complicated by their transfer ban.

The 28-year-old was a major force behind Chelsea winning the title in two of the last three seasons and his ruthlesness will be missed, reckons Cahill.

Alvaro Morata arrived from Real Madrid to fill the void left by Costa, while Michy Batshuayi has also shown good form in pre-season, but Cahill says Costa will prove difficult to replace.

"As a player, he will be missed," Cahill told the media.

"Diego Costa is Diego Costa. He scores goals. He is an animated character and he is a big personality."

"He will be a big miss. We have obviously added to the squad with Alvaro and that is a great addition to the squad, but you are always to going miss big players."

Chelsea boss Antonio Conte reassured that Chelsea's position regarding the Costa situation remains unchanged and he hopes to make further signings before the transfer window ends.

"Every season I think it's right every great team tries to improve the quality of the team.

"For sure, these teams [Chelsea's title rivals] are very strong, they improved a lot. For this reason, this challenge will be very tough.

"I hope to improve our squad, our team. The transfer market is not finished. We want to be competitive and we want to try to fight this season for the title. My club knows very well what are my priorities."