Jose Mourinho has completed his search for a striker after Chelsea announced the signing of Diego Costa from Spanish champions Atletico Madrid.
The Spain international had long been linked with a move to the London side and completion of the deal appears to be imminent after the Blues said they had met the buy-out clause for the 25-year-old forward.
“Chelsea Football Club can confirm an agreement has been reached with Atletico Madrid for the transfer of Diego Costa, with Chelsea meeting the buy-out clause for the Spanish international,” said a statement on the club’s website.
Atletico said Costa had sought a move to Chelsea but the club had insisted on receiving his full buy-out clause.
“Diego Costa communicated at the end of last season his will to be transferred to Chelsea and today the two clubs have reached an agreement for which the London club must pay the full amount set as the buy-out clause in the contract between the player and the club,” a statement said.
He spearheaded Atletico’s attack in a memorable 2013/2014 campaign in which they won La Liga and reached the Champions League final under Argentine manager Diego Simeone.
Costa scored 36 goals in all competitions before heading to his native Brazil for the World Cup with Spain, although he failed to make an impact as the defending champions made an early exit from the tournament.
Also, Chelsea have an agreement to sign Tiago, who is out of contract after winning La Liga with Atletico last season.
Tiago, 33-years-old, will re-sign for Chelsea in the coming days,
Written by Steve Milne
