Chelsea Transfer News: Huge Diego Costa and Petr Cech Rumours Surface

A pundit on Spanish TV has claimed Diego Costa has been offered to Real Madrid by his representatives in a move to bring the striker back to Spain.

David Wright of the Express cites journalist Francois Gallardo's claim on El Chiringuito that the Brazilian-born forward has "a problem" at Stamford Bridge, but manager Jose Mourinho will hold off any attempt to take his player:

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They [his representatives] have offered Diego Costa to Real Madrid. He is a top player and perhaps one of the three best players in the world in his position. An offer arrived on Tuesday and the club like it. But there is a problem with his current club. Although Real Madrid accepts the offer, the coach [Mourinho] and club will put many obstacles in the way.

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Tim Ireland/Associated Press

The move would be a huge shock to Chelsea fans, who are still enjoying the celebrations after becoming Premier League champions once again, with Costa being an important part of the Blues attack. 

However, Costa appeared to have quashed rumours of an exit recently when he spoke out about his intentions to stay in London during the club's post-season tour of Australia, per Jack de Menezes of the Independent. “I have no reason to leave this place," he said. "I love it, the fans love me and I want to stay."

The Spain international saw his playing time greatly reduced during the second half of the season after being pulled up by a number of minor injury concerns (hamstring).

Mark Kolbe/Getty Images

However, he still netted 20 times from just 24 EPL starts, achieving a fantastic goal ratio, per WhoScored.com.

De Menezes highlights that the Special One is unlikely to want to part company with his star striker and that the player's best performances are yet to come in a Chelsea shirt:

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Jose Mourinho has also spoken of Costa’s happiness at Stamford Bridge and joked that if this is him unhappy, then that makes him happy. Chelsea have no intentions of selling one of their key assets that clinched a first Premier League trophy in five years, and at 26 years old, he’s likely to have his best years ahead of him.

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De Menezes also questions the credibility of Gallardo—the original source of the claim—stating he was the journalist who fuelled rumours that Lionel Messi would soon leave Barcelona.

But the Blaugrana's recent performances seem to have killed that train of thought. 

Bookmakers Believe Cech to Join Manchester United

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Bookies have slashed the odds of Petr Cech leaving Chelsea for Manchester United as speculation mounts about the veteran goalkeeper's future.

James Phillips of the Metro says bookmaker Paddy Power's odds have tumbled from 4-1—and now stand at 6-5—for the Czech to arrive at Old Trafford.

Cech has lost his starting berth to Thibaut Courtois since the Belgian returned from his extended loan period at Atletico Madrid, and Mourinho's No. 1 recently spoke out about his deputy's predicament.

Courtois waxed lyrical about Cech but says he will understand if his team-mate leaves Stamford Bridge in order to gain first-team football, per James Whaling of the Mirror:

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Petr Cech is one of the best in the world. Our relationship in training was really good, we pushed each other to a higher level. I think we saw that in the games for Chelsea. If I was not playing, he was playing and he saved the team as well. So I think it was a very good year for Chelsea.

I think during the year already, I have spoken a lot about Petr Cech. For me he is a fantastic guy and I worked really well together with him. If he stays, I am happy. If he leaves, I understand as well.

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Given Courtois' standing in world football, the loss of Cech is unlikely to be felt at present. However, strengthening United is not something Mourinho will wish to do—but the transfer of Juan Mata proves Chelsea will do business with the Red Devils.

It is unlikely that the club will show Costa the door in the same manner as Cech, with the striker's stock still incredibly high after winning two domestic championships in a row.

Costa has his injury problems, and this will be a concern to Mourinho, but if the Blues can get him fit for a sustained period during the next campaign, the club know he can deliver the goals needed to retain the EPL title.