Manchester United and Arsenal are reportedly looking to take advantage of Diego Costa’s current position at Chelsea and are eyeing a summer swoop for the striker
The Sun are reporting that Diego Costa, who is all set to exit Chelsea in the summer after finding out that he isn’t in Antonio Conte’s plans, could be about to move to a rival. The Blues could see their primary striker move to either of Manchester United or Arsenal, both of whom are eyeing a summer swoop for the Spaniard.
Diego Costa’s form has resonated Chelsea’s results for the last 3 years. The Spaniard was imperious, striking an immediate chemistry with Cesc Fabregas at Stamford Bridge, to fire the Blues to the Premier League title.
However, the second season saw him have his differences with Jose Mourinho, who departed after a horrible start to the season. Antonio Conte’s arrival did not help Costa’s cause, who was linked to exits throughout the season.
But, the Spaniard was instrumental in Chelsea’s return to the summit of the Premier League, with 20 goals and 8 assists in the league alone, despite tapering off to the end of the season. However, the links haven’t stopped, with Costa linked with a move to China or a return to Atletico Madrid.
Diego Costa has been directly involved in 68 goals since making his Premier League debut; more than any Chelsea player.
Finisher. ? pic.twitter.com/OW1sKxOmX3
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) June 8, 2017
And with the latest blow to Costa’s Chelsea career – Antonio Conte communicated Diego Costa that he has no future at Chelsea via text message – will make his summer exit even more certain. Costa is furious at Conte’s gesture, with the Spaniard of the view that he should have been told the same in person.
“I’m a Chelsea player but they do not want me there. Antonio Conte has told me by message that I do not follow at Chelsea and that’s it. Conte said he did not count on me for next season. My relationship with the coach has been bad this season. It’s a shame, I’ve already forwarded the message to Chelsea people to decide.”
“It seems I didn’t have a good season. It was just a simple message after all I’ve done for the club. But if he doesn’t want me there, then I will have to look for a new team. It would be nice to go back to Atletico Madrid but it’s difficult to be four or five months without playing. It’s a World Cup year and I need to play.”
Manchester United need a striker, especially after Antoine Griezmann’s snub following Atletico Madrid’s transfer ban being upheld. Diego Costa has played under Jose Mourinho and could choose to join him at Old Trafford – a bleak prospect considering the duo did not see eye-to-eye towards the end of Mourinho’s reign at Stamford Bridge.
Arsenal, on the other hand, could be a realistic destination for the 28-year-old. The Gunners are also in need of a striker, and Diego Costa’s prowess in the Premier League could be a vital statistic in making Arsenal’s mind up in the pursuit of the Spaniard.
The text exchange between Diego Costa and Antonio Conte is absolutely savage. (Source: AS) pic.twitter.com/IHNCbjiQiy
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) June 9, 2017
As aforementioned, while he would love to join Atletico Madrid, he cannot afford to not play for six months, especially with the FIFA World Cup right around the corner. However, an alternate could very well be a move to Manchester United.
Subsequently in January, when Atletico Madrid’s transfer ban ends, the two clubs can attempt to negotiate a swap involving Costa and Griezmann – a prospect that still looks bleak considering the broken relationship between Costa and Mourinho.
Diego Costa is set to depart the club in the summer and the entry of Manchester United and Chelsea might just add some more spice to the transfer saga.
