Diego Costa wants Atletico Madrid's Arda Turan at Chelsea

Diego Costa would love to have his ex-teammate Arda Turan at Chelsea

Chelsea striker Diego Costa has hailed Arda Turan and is hoping that Chelsea sign the Atletico player soon, as speculation surrounding his future continues to build. The Spanish striker played alongside the Turkish midfielder at Atletico Madrid from 2011-2014, before his move to Stamford Bridge last season.

The two were part of the Atletico squad that won the La Liga title in 2013-14, which also included Thibaut Courtois and Filipe Luis.

Turan, who turned 28 in January this year, is looking for a new club after his agent announced the player’s intention to leave the Vicente Calderon this summer. The announcement sent many clubs scrambling for his signature, with Manchester United, Barcelona and Chelsea all reported to be the interested parties.

Reuniting with old teammates

During an interview with Turkish daily Bugun, Costa spoke about the rumours linking Turan to the Blues, and also told them that he would relish a reunion with the midfielder.

“I would really like to be reunited with him [Arda Turan] it would be fantastic because he is a player that makes my job easier,” said Costa.

“Arda, Filipe Luis and I achieved great success together and he really is a great guy.”

The Turkish international has already dismissed rumours linking him to Barcelona, who have a transfer ban till the end of the year. He prefers a move to the Premier League instead, where he would more likely opt for Chelsea rather than Manchester United, due to the presence of some familiar faces in West London.

Chelsea signed Diego Costa and Filipe Luis from Atletico Madrid last year, and also have Courtois who returned to the club after three seasons on loan. The three were a part of Chelsea’s 2014-15 Premier League winning team, and with the addition of loan signing Falcao from Monaco, the Blues are in pole position to sign Arda Turan.

Unfair to compare Mourinho to Simeone

When asked about comparing Mourinho to Simeone, Costa felt the comparison was unfair and had something to say about it: "Mourinho dedicates himself completely to his work. He adores his job and immerses himself in it. At the moment, the team is resting but I am sure he isn't -- he will be planning, doing things to improve the team. Mourinho makes things easier for the players,” he said.

He went on to add : “Simeone is still a relatively young coach and he always strives for the best; he always helps his players and he enjoys his job. Both of them have enjoyed success."