If Antonio Conte thought that becoming Premier League champions would give his Chelsea side certain advantages in the transfer market, he should think again.

Romelu Lukaku’s decision to snub Chelsea and sign for Manchester United instead is evidence that Chelsea are no more attractive than the Manchester clubs.

The failure to convince Lukaku to return to Stamford Bridge has left the Chelsea boss in a difficult position up front.

Diego Costa, whose future was honestly laid out to him via text message by Conte, is heavily linked with a move back to Atletico Madrid. The Spain international has been left out of Chelsea’s squad for their pre-season tour of the Far East, proof that he isn’t in Conte’s plans.

Costa’s departure would leave Michy Batshuayi as the club’s main striker.

The Belgian ended the season on a high, even scoring the goal against West Brom that handed Chelsea the title, but he’s surely not ready to lead the line for a club with ambitions of retaining the Premier League and competing in the Champions League.

So it comes as no surprise to hear that Chelsea are in the market for a striker - and are prepared to pay big to sign one.

The £65m striker Chelsea want

The Blues are keen on Alvaro Morata but, like Man United did in their pursuit of the Spaniard, are finding Real Madrid difficult negotiators.

The Mirror are reporting that Chelsea are now hoping to sign Borussia Dortmund’s Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang for £65 million.

Aubameyang scored 40 goals in all competitions last season - more than Lukaku - and Dortmund have already revealed his price tag.

Cheaper than Lukaku

Last month, the club’s CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke revealed that the Bundesliga club were prepared to accept offers that exceeded £63m.

“We will listen to it when a club is willing to show its appreciation for Aubameyang in a financial way as well,” Watzke told Bild.

“If an official bid were to reach more than £63million, it would have to be reported as a necessary to proceed. This has not happened so far.”

Lukaku, 24, is four years younger than Aubameyang but his arrival at Chelsea would certainly soften the blow of missing out on the Belgium international.

Which striker would you prefer: Lukaku or Aubameyang? Let us know in the comments section below!