Chelsea will reportedly hold out for a fee of around £60 million and upwards for wantaway striker Diego Costa, who is wanted by Atletico Madrid.
According to The Times, Chelsea are reportedly ready to listen to offers for wantaway striker Diego Costa. The Blues, however, will not do a cut-price deal to part with the Spaniard and will hold out for at least £60 million for the player, who has been linked with Atletico Madrid recently.
Diego Costa has been one of the cornerstones of Chelsea’s successful campaign this season – a campaign that saw the Spaniard chip in with 20 goals and 8 assists in the league alone.
The 28-year-old, though, has continued to be mired in controversy, linked with a mega-bucks move to China – a rumour that was followed by reports of a training ground bust-up with Antonio Conte. The Italian manager, though, has handled the striker superbly throughout the season.
Costa, though, was thought to be on his way to China in the summer, with a move to Tianjin Quanjian all but confirmed – a deal that would involve a £76 million transfer fee along with a contract that would make Costa the highest earner in the world.
Diego Costa will cost Tianjin Quanjian a world-record £152m if his move to China goes ahead this summer. (Source: Daily Mail) pic.twitter.com/M9NFXgdIDy
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) May 26, 2017
The 28-year-old, though, has been linked with a fairytale return to Atletico Madrid as well, who would require the addition of a striker in case Antoine Griezmann ends up leaving for Manchester United – a rumour which is gaining traction by the day.
Atletico Madrid do have Kevin Gameiro and Fernando Torres apart from Griezmann. But, the duo are a level lower to the French superstar and Simeone is unlikely to leave the summer transfer window without an addition in the said position in the wake of Griezmann’s departure.
Costa’s move to China is most likely off, after the Chinese Super League imposed a 100% tax rate on high-profile imports, which is likely to mean that Tianjin would have to shell out around £150 million if they are to bring the Spaniard over to the country.
Los Rojiblancos will see a large influx of cash from Griezmann’s deal, provided the deal does happen, and El Cholo can utilise a portion of it to facilitate the return of the 28-year-old. Diego Costa has been vocal about his desire to return to the club and the player is likely to grab the deal with both hands, if the opportunity presents itself.
