Chelsea have drawn up a short-list of potential replacements for Diego Costa which includes Arsenal superstar Alexis Sanchez, The Mirror reports.

What's the word?

Whilst it appears Diego Costa will not be leaving Stamford Bridge this window, Chelsea are preparing for life without the Spaniard and it's anticipated that the former Atletico Madrid striker will end his time in the Premier League this summer.

Heavily linked with an exit last summer, before opting to stay with Chelsea, Costa's relationship with Antonio Conte hit a wall last week after a clash over a back injury- which ended with Costa out of training and out of the side that beat Leicester at the weekend.

Chinese clubs soon started swooping, with offers being made, but Costa has held clear the air talks with Conte and will stay in West London. However, that will only last until the end of the season- leaving Chelsea looking for a replacement.

Who's on their shortlist?

The usual suspects appear on Chelsea's short-list, with Real Madrid's Alvaro Morata and Everton's Romelu Lukau eyed, but the surprise target is Arsenal's Alexis Sanchez- a move that would certainly send London into a frenzy.

Alexis is locked in negotiations regarding a new contract in North London but has entered the final 18 months of his current deal and the Gunners have a huge few months ahead of them- which could end in heartbreak this summer if no new deal is agreed.

That said, a move across London is unlikely and Alexis would more than likely move abroad. If he was to stay in the Premier League, then Manchester City would likely find themselves as favourites for his signature.

A move for Lukaku would prove to be expensive, as Everton would eye a profit on the £28m they paid the Blues for the Belgian striker in 2014, but the striker could push for an exit as he seeks European football.

Regarding Morata, Real Madrid may be open to a sale as the Spaniard has started just six La Liga games this season but with Karim Benzema now 29, they may want to keep Morata in the Spanish capital.

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