Rumour: Chelsea expect to complete Diego Costa transfer by Tuesday

Chelsea are expecting to complete their £32 million deal for Atletico Madrid striker Diego Costa by Tuesday, according to Sky Sports News.

Reports claimed last week that Diego Costa had completed his medical with Chelsea and it was just a matter of time before he left Atletico, where he won La Liga and reached the Champions League final last season.

The striker, who will represent Spain at the World Cup this summer, has apparently instructed Atletico Madrid to accept the offer from Chelsea and allow him to complete a move to the Premier League.

This transfer has been rumbling on for a few months after Costa scored 36 goals last season – 27 in La Liga – and the Blues would like to complete the transfer before the World Cup, so as to focus on other targets and finally secure the striker.

“Chelsea have made an offer to Atletico Madrid in compliance with the buyout terms in Diego Costa’s contract, and have been advised that the player has provided notice to Atletico Madrid invoking the buyout clause and directing the club to accept Chelsea’s offer,” said a club source.

“Chelsea look forward to entering into formal transfer documentation with Atletico Madrid as soon as possible so that the player can concentrate on the World Cup.”

The Brazil-born forward scored 36 goals in 52 games last season as he helped Atletico win the La Liga title for the first time since 1996 and reach the final of the Champions League.

Costa limped off after just nine minutes of the final in Lisbon which was won by city rivals Real, but the 25-year old is fit again and training with Spain ahead of the tournament in Brazil.26 of Diego Costa’s 27 goals in La Liga last season were scored from inside the penalty area.