Having held onto Diego Costa during the January window after the saga surrounding his supposed bust up with manager Antonio Conte and the coaching staff, with clubs from China and Europe ready to pounce, many Chelsea fans will feel that there is nothing stopping them from claiming the Premier League title once again especially after their solid victory over Arsenal today by a 3-1 scoreline.

With many having suggested that losing the Spain international in the winter widow could have cost the Blues the title, despite their substantial lead at the top, it is wise to understand just how much of a loss he would have been, or could be if the striker leaves this summer, to Conte.

Whilst the Spaniard is one of the leading goalscorers in the division, which of course is not mean feat, there is an argument to be had that any striker worth their salt could bag a decent amount of goals a season with the likes of Hazard, Pedro and Willian working in behind them.

However, Costa brings more to the Blues than just goals.

The former Atletico Madrid man, who could well be heading back to his old stomping ground this summer with Diego Simeone constantly linked with bringing him back, has a presence at the tip of a potent Chelsea attack, an ora almost.

Costa has some defenders beaten before a ball is kicked, the fouls he draws and the arguments he causes have a profound effect on those trying to stop him, the striker really is a master of his art.

However, whilst he is the focal point of the fearsome attack, Diego Costa is very much replaceable, and far from the most important cog in Conte’s system.

Second choice striker, Michy Batshuayi, is a completely different player to the number one, you would imagine, we haven’t really had a chance to work that out. However, the Belgian would have watched on in a rather frustrated manner when the Blues proved that without an imposing striker they could still put three past champions Leicester in their own backyard.

The likes of N’Golo Kante and Nemanja Matic who, along with the solid back three behind them, form a solid base to allow Costa and the attacking forces the freedom the wreak havoc on Premier League defences, would be a far bigger loss to the former Juventus boss.

There have been reports suggesting Real Madrid’s Alvaro Morata could be Conte’s solution to losing Costa and, whilst it is uncertain as to whether or not that would work, there are plenty who could come in a successfully take on the task of putting the ball into the back of net considering the supreme talent around them.

Not to take anything away from Costa, the man is a sensational striker more than worthy of the Premier League crown, but don’t fear Chelsea fans his leaving will not cause too many problems.