After watching him rip their UEFA Champions League dream apart this week, Chelsea are now ready to stump up the cash for Atletico Madrid star Diego Costa.
Costa, 25, scored the Spanish sides crucial second goal at Stamford Bridge as he led Atleti to the UCL final for the first time in over 40 years.
The Blues were so impressed with his display that they’ve reportedly decided to step up their infatuation with the Brazilian born striker and meet the rather modest release clause of $50 million in his contract.
Modest? I’m not kidding. To find a clinical striker of Costa’s quality is extremely difficult and bear this in mind, Chelsea paid over $75 million two seasons ago for misfiring forward Fernando Torres. $50 million for Costa in the current market is a bargain.
(MORE: Three things we learned from Atletico’s win over Chelsea – Costa is a beast)
The Spanish international, who switched his allegiance from the Brazilian national team to the reigning World Cup champions ahead of the showpiece tournament in his homeland this summer, has scored 35 goals in 41 games this season so far and is on the brink of winning both La Liga and the Champions League with Atletico.
Umm…. why would he leave, then? Money.
If Costa does seal this switch to Chelsea then he can expect to triple his wages instantly, to a reported $300,000 a week, as the Blues’ power in the transfer market is there for all to see. Speaking after Atleti’s defeat of Chelsea in West London on Wednesday, Costa didn’t dismiss the idea of joining Chelsea but did state how happy he is at Atletico.
The age old argument of success and happiness vs. money will once again come to the fore as Chelsea chase Costa and the red-hot striker will have to decide where his future lies.
Get ready for this transfer saga to rumble on all summer long.
