Diego Costa’s future looks closer to being resolved, with AC Milan in the frame to loan the striker for the remainder of Atlético Madrid’s transfer ban.
The Chelsea striker, who scored 22 goals in 42 appearances for the Stamford Bridge outfit last season, was told by manager Antonio Conte he no longer featured in his plans at the end of last season, with Spain forward Álvaro Morata since signed for a club-record £58m fee.
Atlético boss Diego Simeone courted Costa for a return to the Vicente Calderón last summer and reaffirmed his interest in this transfer window, but the club’s failure to have their transfer ban overturned put the brakes on any deal.
However, AC Milan have since registered their interest in loaning the striker until January, when Los Rojiblanco’s transfer ban ends, which would afford Costa the playing time required in his bid to be involved in Spain’s 2018 World Cup squad.
Milan’s sporting director, Marco Fassone, has admitted making contact with Costa’s agent, Jorge Mendes. He told AS: “We went to see Jorge Mendes. We had a lot to talk about. I’d prefer to avoid talking about other clubs’ players; Diego is a great player but he’s a Chelsea player.”
With Chelsea boss Antonio Conte recently bringing in Alvaro Morata it only seems a matter of time before Costa leaves Stamford Bridge.
Dan O’Toole.
