Paper Round: Costa's off to China, but Coutinho's willing to play through the pain

Diego Costa gave an interview. In it he said he's still committed to Chelsea, no problem right? Wrong. Just after having said that, Costa mentioned how he isn't necessarily enjoying his life in London, admitting that those are two separate things. This has understandably re-ignited talk of a move to China.

Paper Round's view: Costa's form has certainly tailed off recently and there may be plenty of fans who wouldn't be too upset to see him leave in the summer. Costa looks off the pace and his latest comments aren't necessarily helping the situation.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has told the press that he believes it is imperative that the club keep hold of their British core, name-checking Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain in particular as well as Kieran Gibbs, Jack Wilshere and Aaron Ramsey. The former three all see their contracts finish at the end of the 2017-18 season, whilst Ramsey's finishes a year later. Wenger said he wouldn't be afraid to sell players but wants the club to keep their British identity.

Paper Round's view: This sounds like more stubbornness from Wenger. These four players were supposed to be the next big thing for Arsenal but none of them have kicked on the way they were supposed to. However Oxlade-Chamberlain and Ramsey in particular could still have roles to play with the club moving forward.

Liverpool forward Philippe Coutinho has said that he is willing to keep playing through the pain in order to help the club's top four push. Coutinho revealed after scoring in the 2-1 win at Stoke that he was far from 100% on Saturday and was nearly left out but he's determined to keep playing.

Paper Round's view: Liverpool fans will surely swoon hearing these quotes from Coutinho. Normally you don't want clubs to take too many risks with players, but given Liverpool aren't overburdened with games at the moment Jurgen Klopp will probably feel it is a risk worth taking.

West Brom manager Tony Pulis has defended striker Salomon Rondon, saying that personal problems and not interest from China is the reason behind his poor form in front of goal.

Paper Round's view: It's really nice to see Pulis protect his player here. Rondon has been coming in for a lot of criticism and it goes to show that footballers are really just human and too often people are too quick to judge them.