Chelsea Transfer News: Diego Costa Offered to Barcelona, Latest Blues Rumours
Diego Costa could be set for a swift exit from Chelsea after the player's representative reportedly offered the striker's services to Barcelona.
Spanish outlet Don Balon (h/t Mark Brus of Metro) said Jorge Mendes—one of the most influential agents in football—is "trying to engineer" Costa's return to La Liga as Barca review their options at the point of their attack.
The treble winners have Luis Suarez as their main striker, but it is thought coach Luis Enrique wants a powerful forward option for his team, and Costa fits the bill, per Don Balon.
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Chelsea are in dire straits at present; the Premier League champions are on their knees after yet another defeat on Tuesday night, losing 5-4 on penalties to Stoke City in the Capital One Cup.
Costa left the field of play in the first half after being caught between Ryan Shawcross and Charlie Adam, with manager Jose Mourinho confirming the striker was taken to hospital, as reported by Sky Sports. The striker also clashed with Stoke goalkeeper Jack Butland, as highlighted by the Telegraph's Sam Wallace.
The Brazilian-born player was a raging success during his time at Atletico Madrid, helping the Colchoneros to a shock La Liga title win and Champions League final in 2014.
The achievements brought the player to the attentions of Chelsea, leading to Costa's signing being one of the defining moments in the race for the Premier League title last season.
However, Costa has struggled this term as Chelsea's creativity has run dry. The player has only two goals from his eight Premier League appearances, according to WhoScored.com.
An exit for Costa would not be a surprise, especially if the Special One sees his tenure cut short at Stamford Bridge in the coming weeks.
The Spain international has looked unhappy in Premier League matches this season—often looking for physical conflict with his opponents—and a return to Spain with one of the biggest clubs in the world would surely be a desirable prospect.
Berardi Not Heading To England
Sassuolo striker Domenico Berardi will not be signing for Chelsea in January, as the Italian club's managing director refused to consider any sale of their most precious talent.
Giovanni Carnevali told Tuttosport (h/t talkSPORT) he will not allow the player to depart for a bigger club, as Serie A champions Juventus also registered their interest: "Last year, we invested €10 million in him. For now Berardi is completely a Sassuolo player and we're not a club that needs to sell. I can rule out a January move. That's not part of our company policy. With Juventus it's an open discussion. It's an advantage, but Juventus are not the only ones to be following Berardi."
The 21-year-old has been prolific in the Italian domestic league, scoring 33 times in 67 appearances, per talkSPORT. This has attracted the interest of the Blues—as well as Manchester United and Liverpool.
The boat is currently rocking at Chelsea, and the future of many of their major stars will come into doubt if results do not improve fast under Mourinho.
Despite his impressive goal record, the Blues might be savvy in selling Costa for a big fee.
Berardi is an interesting prospect and could be a potential replacement for Costa if Mourinho keeps his job.
The Italian is a proven goalscorer in one of the best leagues in the world, and his ability to play across the attack would fit Mourinho's favoured tactics.
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