Conte: Costa decision made in January

The Italian has made it clear that last season's top scorer does not feature in his plans going forward and it seems that he has been of this opinion for some time.

Costa caused a stir in January after allegedly threatening to go on strike to push through a move to the Chinese Super League and it seems that from then on, there was no was back for the striker.

Conte has explained that 'In January, the Costa situation was made very clear. For the club, for him and his agent and for me the situation is closed.'

The 47-year-old was then asked about his summer business and went into great detail about how crazy the market has become.

'For sure this transfer market is crazy,' remarked Conte. 'Not only for this season, but now if you want to buy a simple player - a normal player - you have to start to think about spending €40 to €50 million.'

'It's incredible this situation but there is this situation and we must live with it.'

'Lukaku cost a lot of money but the same with [Alexandre] Lacazette and Arsenal who spent €65m. For a right-back you spend €60-70m. This is the situation now.'

'We must be very good and not make a mistake when we buy a player. You have to spend a lot and it is very important to make the right choice.'

The Italian talked up Alvaro Morata, as the club closes in on a deal for the Real Madrid striker.

'This is a good signing for us,' explained the former Italy and Juventus boss. 'Morata is a young player but he has a lot of experience and played in the past with Real Madrid and Juventus in the league and the Champions League.'

'He's a good striker, a player with the right prospects for Chelsea. He will be our first-choice. He can show his value with us. He is young and can improve a lot.'

Will Morata be a success at Chlesea and it conte right to cut Costa loose? It remains to be seen, but they will certainly make interesting sub-plots ahead of the upcoming season.