Chelsea's striker Diego Costa is not travelling with rest of his teammates at Leicester city to play on Saturday's premier league match. Chelsea's apparent reason for dropping him is not injury concern but to stop the explosive striker from heading to the Chinese Super League.     

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Costa is the latest entrant in the list of premier league players who are being chased by Chinese clubs. The news that an unknown Chinese club has offered a lucrative contract to Costa is doing rounds in the English media.

But what has really unnerved Chelsea is that the Spanish international is reportedly tempted to accept the lucrative Chinese offer. The news that Costa's agent Jorge Mendes is currently present in China has further raised concerns in Stamford Bridge.   

The Spanish international's recent bust up with Chelsea's fitness coach may also turn out to be a flashpoint in the player's possible exit. The argument with fitness coach reportedly got out of control as soon as manager Antonio Conte chose to directly intervene.

The services of the 28-year-old striker are critical for Chelsea's title bid. The player's impressive form this season has been instrumental in propelling the London-based club on top of the premier league. The club currently sits at the top with 49 points, with five point lead over second placed Liverpool.  

Although Costa's contract with Chelsea ends in 2019, Conte and owner Roman Abramovich fear that the Chinese clubs may exploit the "exit clause" to snatch the player.

The Chinese clubs have already bought two Chelsea players - Oscar and John Obi Mikel - in the ongoing January transfer market.  

Tags Chelsea, Diego Costa, Chinese Super League, china