Diego Costa on verge of Chelsea move

Chelsea have reached an agreement to sign Diego Costa from Atlético Madrid. The Spain international had long been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge and now the Blues have confirmed they have met the buy-out clause for the 25-year-old striker, understood to be £32m.

“Chelsea Football Club can confirm an agreement has been reached with Atlético Madrid for the transfer of Diego Costa, with Chelsea meeting the buy-out clause for the Spanish international,” read a statement on the club’s official website.

Brazil-born Costa scored 35 goals for Atlético last season as they won the Spanish title and reached the Champions League final, where they lost in extra time to Real Madrid.

The 25-year-old emerged as the leading summer transfer target for José Mourinho, who was determined to add firepower to a Chelsea squad that came up just short behind Manchester City and Liverpool in the Premier League and were knocked out of Europe in the semi-finals by Atlético.