With Zlatan Ibrahimovic going on a free to Manchester United after letting his contract at Paris Saint-Germain run down, the Ligue 1 champions never really replaced the man who brought so much joy to the French capital.
For example, his impotent display against Arsenal was followed up by four goals from six shots away from home against Caen, and it’s this inconsistency that is infuriating fans and the media alike.
The signing of Jesé hasn’t exactly worked out just yet, and Unai Emery’s refusal to include Hatem Ben Arfa in his last three squads has put a lot of pressure on the likes of Angel Di Maria and Lucas to consistently provide for Cavani.
This is why another big name signing over the summer was requested, and according to France Football, Diego Costa was the man on their mind.
The French magazine report that during the negotiations surrounding the return of David Luiz to Stamford Bridge, the Ligue 1 club brought up the Spanish striker, but were quickly shot down.
Antonio Conte had apparently made it clear he wanted the former Brazil international at the club for the coming season, and that was that.
At least they tried…