Rumour: Chelsea reach verbal agreement with Atletico Madrid for striker Diego Costa

Diego Costa

Chelsea have reportedly reached a verbal agreement with Atletico Madridover the summer transfer of striker Diego Costa. The Metro report that the Spanish side are resigned to losing Costa, and that a summer deal for the striker is already in place.

Costa’s agent, Francois Gallardo, has reportedly been quoted as saying that Atletico realise how difficult it will be to keep hold of their top scorer, with reports suggesting that a transfer has already been agreed.

“Atletico knows it is impossible to hold [onto Costa],” he allegedly told Spanish TV channel La Sexta.

Costa has scored 19 goals in 20 league appearances this season, helping Atletico to second place in La Liga ahead of their city rivals Real. However his form has seen him linked with a move away from the club, with Arsenal and Chelsea both heavily linked with the Brazilian born striker in recent weeks.

Judging by reports, it would appear that Chelsea have won the race for the Spain international’s signature. Costa is said to have a release clause of £32 million written into his contract and the Metro report that a fee has already been agreed between Chelsea and Atletico.

Atletico currently have Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois on loan at the club, but at this stage it is unknown whether the young Belgian will form part of the Costa deal.

Costa has more goals than Samuel Eto’o, Fernando Torres, Demba Ba, Andre Schurrle, Juan Mata and Willian have managed between them for Chelsea this season.