Following the protracted crisis between the nationalized Spain striker Diego Costa, and Chelsea, who he joined in 2014 for about £32m, the club has finally agreed terms with Atletico Madrid for Costa’s transfer.
The move, which will now be completed in January, is subject to the agreement of personal terms and a medical.
Atletico, who are eager to have their man said the 28-year-old, who left the club to join Chelsea in 2014, would have a medical in the next few days.
Costa has not played for Chelsea this season, and spent much of August in his native Brazil, despite the club’s order for him to return to England and make himself available for selection.
The Chelsea striker cannot be registered as a player for the La Liga outfit until January, when the club’s transfer window ban comes to an end. The two teams will however play each other next Wednesday in the Champions League.
Costa scored 58 goals in 120 appearances for Chelsea, including 20 in the Premier League last season as Chelsea won the EPL.
Costa was reportedly told by text message that he was not in Antonio Conte’s plans for Chelsea this season.
The striker had earlier stated this summer his wish to return to Atletico, and said Chelsea were treating him like “a criminal” by demanding an “impossible fee.”
His position in the Chelsea team had also been placed under threat by the arrival of striker Alvaro Morata from Real Madrid during the last transfer window.
Problems between Costa and Chelsea surfaced earlier in the year when he was left out of the Chelsea side for an away match at Leicester having been involved in a dispute with a fitness coach.
This followed reports of an offer from China that would have been worth £30m a year in salary. At the time, Chelsea said they had no intention of selling him. Whether Costa has handled the situation professionally is a different ballgame all together. However, it is good to note that a solution has been found for both sides.
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