Chelsea are reportedly unhappy with Atletico Madrid’s lowly bid to secure the summer deal for Diego Costa.
According to a report in Tribal Football, Atletico Madrid have made their first offer to sign Diego Costa from Chelsea in the summer transfer window. The Blues, however, have been left disgruntled by the bid placed by Los Rojiblancos, with a mere €25 million on offer.
Costa’s time at Chelsea has been a roller coaster of a ride, filled with unprecedented highs and disappointing lows. While the player has been one of the most prolific strikers in the Premier League in the last three seasons, his behaviour on and off the field has often left much to be desired.
One such run-in reportedly came against Antonio Conte in January as the duo were involved in a training ground bust up. Costa’s future at Stamford Bridge has since, been mired in uncertainty – something that has now been confirmed by the Spain striker himself.
The 28-year-old was informed by Conte that he does not feature in his manager’s plans for next season, despite playing a key role in Chelsea’s Premier League triumph with his 20 goals. Thus, an exit from Stamford Bridge beckons this summer, with Atletico Madrid reportedly being Costa’s preferred destination.
However, a possible move back to the Spanish capital is complicated with Los Rojiblancos banned from registering players due to the transfer ban imposed on them. Atletico, though, can still sign players this summer, even though they will be eligible to represent the club in January.
The aforementioned is a prospect that doesn’t faze Costa who is adamant that he will only leave Chelsea to make the move to Atletico Madrid. The Premier League champions, too, have been locked in negotiations with Los Rojiblancos, and a transfer is certainly possible.
However, Atletico’s first offer has left Chelsea disappointed, with a bid worth on €25 million on the table, particularly because the Blues have had to reject a big-money bid from Chinese Super League club Tianjian Quianjian due to Costa’s insistence on a return back to Madrid.
The delay in Costa’s exit is also reportedly holding up their move for Romelu Lukaku, and with their pre-season tour set to commence soon, it remains to be seen if Chelsea will reach a compromise in order to offload the Spain striker this summer.
