Top 3 World Cup stars Chelsea should have never let go

Chelsea did a terrible job of defending the Premier League title once again last season. The club finished their season with confusion surrounding the manager despite their FA Cup success but look likely to stick with Conte for the start of the season.

Chelsea are yet to make a signing in the summer transfer window and that will need to change soon if they are to compete for the league. Their transfer business from last season will have to improve from last season's displays and make an impact this term.

The London outfit will need to show business smarts in the transfer market and sign some top quality players to address their defensive and goalscoring woes.

On that note, let's take a look at 3 World Cup stars Chelsea should have never let go.

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#3 Diego Costa

Costa arrived back at Atletico Madrid late last year after falling out with Chelsea boss Antonio Conte. Prior to his arrival, the Spain international had been back with his family in Brazil after refusing to train with the Blues.

It meant he was well out of shape when he arrived and, according to reports, Atletico fitness coach Oscar Ortega concluded he was at least a stone overweight.

The Daily Mail report that to get him back in shape Costa was put on a strict diet – including cutting back on barbecued meat.

During his time at Chelsea, Costa was instrumental in winning two league title with two managers at the club. However, due to issues with the Italian at the helm, Costa decided to move back to Atletico Madrid, creating a large vacuum for goals at the West London club.

At the World Cup, Costa netted three for Spain as they bowed out to Russia on penalties in the round of 16. The player will be raring to go next season ad with Lemar and Greizmann to play with, the Spaniards pose a lethal front three.

Many fans figured the player and manager to sort out their issues but it failed to happen and the two parties move on, with the club hurting more.

#2 Romelu Lukaku

Lukaku celebrates Belgium's win

The Manchester United striker has been in superb form for the Belgians at the World Cup this year. Having scored 4 times in 4 games he is one of the contenders for the Golden Boot along with Harry Kane. He has ensured that Belgium qualified for the semi-final after a good display up front to dismantle the mighty Brazilians without much fuss.

Now the all-time leading goalscorer in the history of Les Diables Rouges, Romelu Lukaku has won the football world over with his impressive consistency, drive and determination.

He has scored with both feet and his head and is in hot form at the World Cup. He will look to inspire Belgium to an elusive World Cup final if they can overcome France in the semi-final. Chelsea should have held on their player and stuck with him during his developmental phase and nurtured his growth. However, the rest, as they say, is history.

#1 Kevin De Bruyne

De Bruyne celebrates his goal against Brazil

Belgian playmaker and midfielder, Kevin de Bruyne is in the form of his life and prime of his career and is putting on a show at the World Cup. With huge responsibility on his shoulders and prior World Cup experience, de Bruyne is primed and set to play his heart out in Russia, with the team fulfilling the golden generation tag.

The Belgian departed Stamford Bridge in 2014 to receive more playing time in Germany with Wolfsburg but then joined Manchester City a year later, much to the Blues frustration and proved to become a Premier League champion.

With the player in his stride and playing the best football of his life, Chelsea will regret selling the player, looking at how devastating he is, in multiple positions. De Bruyne has become one of the best midfielders in the World and his performances in Russia prove it.