As reported by Sky Sports, Frank Lampard has weighed into the debate surrounding the future of Diego Costa at Chelsea, believing that he will be very difficult to replace at Stamford Bridge.

What's the word?

Lampard knows a thing or two about scoring goals at Chelsea having knocked in 211 in his time at the club. It's fair to say that his opinion on Diego Costa's prowess is worth listening to then.

After a fantastic season at the Blues, it was reported earlier this month that Costa has been told he has no future at the club by manager Antonio Conte.

Lampard though reckons that the Chelsea manager will have a task on his hands to replace him and is eager for him to stay on at the club.

As quoted by Sky Sports, the Blues legend said:

He's a fantastic striker and we all saw that last season and since he's been at Chelsea. He would be very difficult to replace, there's no doubt about it. I don't know where Diego Costa's mind is, whether he wants to leave or not, that's all speculation. One thing that is for sure, is that you've got a great striker in him. So, if he stays, brilliant, if he doesn't, then you'll have to go to the top end of the world's strikers to replace him.

With 59 goals for Chelsea over the last three seasons, including his best return of 22 last term, it's clear that Chelsea would have to go all-out to replace that goal threat, which they have the resources to do.

If he isn't seeing eye-to-eye with Conte then there's no use in having him stick around either. It's a tricky situation that needs to be managed delicately and only time will tell if the Italian manager is able to do so.