Chelsea Transfer News: Barcelona Ban Rocks Plans for Diego Costa Deal

Chelsea's reported interest in Diego Costa may have hit a giant snag after the announcement of Barcelona's transfer ban, a FIFA ruling that could impact Jose Mourinho's ability to land his Atletico Madrid target.

The world football governing body confirmed on Wednesday Barca cannot sign any players until the summer of 2015 due to multiple breaches surrounding the acquisition of individuals younger than 18. Should this decision be upheld, Barcelona are no longer in the running to sign David Luiz, leaving Mourinho with a difficult situation.

Martin Lipton of Mirror Football claimed the Portuguese boss had planned on selling Luiz prior to the announcement of Barca's punishment:

"

While Chelsea are confident of landing Atletico Madrid's £45million Spain striker Diego Costa, more cash will be needed to help pay for a planned revamp, with Luiz - along with mis-firing Fernando Torres - the two most valuable commodities Mourinho is happy to offload.

"

Jason Burt of The Telegraph previously suggested Gerardo Martino's side were lining up a £25 million bid for the unwanted player. Although Barcelona have 90 days to appeal FIFA's sanctions, failure to overturn such transfer restrictions would ensure Chelsea need to find another club that is ready to drop that kind of money on Luiz.

AS confirmed La Blaugrana's leeway, via Dermot Corrigan of ESPN FC:

Mourinho has proven himself conscious of FIFA's Financial Fair Play rules in recent times. He offloaded Juan Mata and Kevin De Bruyne before signing Mohamed Salah for around £11 million, as reported by BBC Sport. Mourinho also tied up Nemanja Matic for £21 million in January, again confirmed by BBC Sport, allowing the boss to strengthen his team without negatively impacting the club's finances.

Alastair Grant

Clubs that possess the kind of funds to purchase Luiz at his reported fee also need to take monetary considerations into account. Barcelona were ideal candidates and could have helped ensure their La Liga rivals Atletico lose a key player by granting Chelsea funds, but that now appears unlikely.

Matt Barlow of the Mail Online believes Inter Milan are willing to offer around £20 million for Fernando Torres. Combined with Luiz's transfer fee, this would easily allow the Blues to challenge for Costa's signature, although his performances at the upcoming World Cup may increase his transfer fee even further.

The Atletico striker, who limped off during the Rojiblancos' 1-1 Champions League quarter-final first leg draw with Barca, has scored 32 goals in La Liga and Europe this campaign, per WhoScored.com. He is arguably the most wanted forward in world football, someone who possesses pace, power and lethal finishing ability, meaning he isn't going to be cheap.

Barcelona's problems could prove to be a major sickener for Mourinho. Although Luiz is expected to receive plenty of interest, the loss of a key suitor could heavily dictate Chelsea's summer exploits.