Diego Costa and Atletico Madrid are set to be reunited.
On Thursday, Atleti reached an initial agreementwith Chelsea for the transfer of Costa. According to Marca’s Alberto R. Barbero, negotiations took almost all of Los Colchoneros’ focus through the summer, and, after all the minor issues were ironed out, the two clubs agreed on a transfer fee that could reach up to €65 million, of which €55 million will be paid up front while the rest is paid in the form of potential bonuses.
The agreement is pending the formalisation of the contract between Atleti and Costa, and the forward was authorised by Chelsea to travel to Madrid in order to undergo medical tests.
Chelsea allegedly tried to make the transfer as hard as possible for Costa, who is yet to play for the Blues this season and refused to train with the reserves. In June, the striker claimed that he had been told by Antonio Conte that he wasn’t wanted at the club, saying: “My relationship with the coach has been bad this season. I suppose I’ve had a bad season so I can’t go on. I’m going to be honest, the other day, Conte sent me a message saying he does not count on me for next season, so I’ll have to find a way out.”
Then, in August, Costa accused Chelsea of treating him like a “criminal” and revealed that he wouldn’t return to the Blues, declaring: “They want me to be there training with the reserves. I wouldn’t be allowed access to the first-team dressing room and I would have no contact with the guys. I’m not a criminal. I don’t think it is fair after all I have done to be treated like that. I am not in the wrong here. So, if they need to fine me, let them fine me. I take the hit every week but I’m not driven by money. You know that the manager doesn’t want me. I am waiting for Chelsea to set me free. I didn’t want to leave. I was happy. When the manager does not want you, you have to go.”
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