Chelsea are ready to go all out to try and sign Atletico Madrid striker Diego Costa in the summer after making him their top transfer target. Jose Mourinho has told the club’s hierarchy that signing a world class striker is his number one priority at the end of the season.
Despite links to Luis Suarez, Gonzalo Higuain, Wayne Rooney and Radamel Falcao, Mourinho is believed to have told Chelsea that Costa is the man he wants to sign. The striker is currently enjoying yet another stunning season in La Liga, scoring 21 goals in 26 matches and establishing himself as one of the best forwards in Europe. This form hasn’t gone unnoticed, with PSG and Real Madrid also linked with moves, but Chelsea are believed to be in pole position to sign him. Mourinho’s men do have an excellent relationship with Madrid, after they loaned goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois to the Spanish side.
Although Courtois won’t be allowed to stay at the club next season, it hasn’t damaged this relationship between the two sides. Atletico are well aware of Costa’s rising stock and they are already looking for another striker to fill the gap, if their star man is to leave.
Chelsea value Costa at about £27million – an amount that is below his release clause, but a fee that could be accepted if the player pushes for a switch away. The Blues will open formal negotiations at the end of the season in a bid to tie up the player’s services just before the World Cup.
By Charlie Gregory
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