The striker was Atleti’s top summer target
Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone insists that Chelsea centre forward Diego Costa was top of his summer wish list.
Costa, who left the Vicente Calderon to join the Blues just two years ago, was linked with a return to his former club.
However, Simeone’s decision to sign Kevin Gameiro from fellow La Liga club Sevilla has ended any interest in the Spain international.
“‘The club worked on the possibility of Diego Costa’s arrival and, after that did not advance, we were always very clear with Gameiro,” Simeone said when speaking to Espacio Reservado.
“When I spoke on the phone with him (Gameiro), I told him we wanted to bring Costa and he was the alternative.
“I bet entirely on him and he wanted to be the forward to join us this year.”
