Rumour: Chelsea eye Diego Costa as no.1 transfer target

Atletico Madrid goalscoring machine Diego Costa has been pinpointed as Chelsea’s number one attacking target for the summer transfer window, report The Standard.

Costa has scored 19 goals in La Liga this season and has attracted interest from numerous clubs around Europe after a fantastic season with Atletico.

He has led Atletico into a three-way title race with Barcelona and Real Madrid and, with Chelsea lacking a world class striker, they see Costa as the perfect target in the summer transfer window.

The Spain international, who shares the same agent as Mourinho in Jorge Mendes, has a £32 million buy-out clause and is committed to staying for the rest of the campaign.

Significantly, however, Atletico manager Diego Simeone recently admitted no player was “indispensable” from his high-flying squad.

Chelsea were thought to hold a very strong interest in Wayne Rooney have now pushed him to the bottom of their wish-list as he is set to sign a new contract with Manchester United.

The Blues could use Thibaut Courtois as a bargaining ploy when they attempt to sign Costa. The Belgian goalkeeper is in his third season on-loan from Chelsea with Atletico, with the Spanish side willing to buy him in the summer.

Mourinho could hit two birds with one stone and use Courtois to sign Costa as the goalkeeper is keen to stay in La Liga.

Costa has converted 30% of his chances in La Liga this season.