Griezmann would have the quality to replace Costa – Wilkins

Ray Wilkins thinks Chelsea should target Antoine Griezmann if Diego Costa leaves Stamford Bridge.

Speaking on Sky Sports News HQ, Wilkins, who served Chelsea as a player, coach and assistant manager, said he believes Blues boss Antonio Conte’s explanation for Costa’s absence from the squad against Leicester.

Conte has insisted that Costa was left out after missing training because of a back problem.

Speculation over Costa’s future is rife amid reports he has been made a huge offer to play in the Chinese Super League.

And were the Spain striker to leave, Wilkins believes Atletico Madrid’s France forward Griezmann, who has long been linked with a move to the Premier League, would be an ideal signing

“One I’d go for is Griezmann. He’s scored a bucketload of goals,” Wilkins said.

“It depends on the transfer fee paid to Chelsea – they’re going to want a lot of money for this guy (Costa).

“Griezmann is one that just comes off the top of my tongue as someone with the quality if Costa goes.”

One striker who definitely looks set to move on is Patrick Bamford, who is discussing a permanent move to Middlesbrough, where he has previously been on loan.

Bamford, 23, has not made a first-team appearance for Chelsea since being signed from Nottingham Forest five years ago.

“It’s the same as others; Dominic Solanke, Tammy Abraham who has scored 18 goals on loan at Bristol City – they (young players at Chelsea) just don’t get an opportunity,” Wilkins said.

“For Patrick to play for Chelsea, he probably lacks a couple of things. He perhaps lacks pace, but he’s certainly an intelligent player.

“I think he will score goals at the likes of Middlesbrough.”