Chelsea Transfer News: Diego Costa Makes Atletico Madrid Contact, Latest Rumours

Chelsea striker Diego Costa has reportedly asked Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone to keep a place open in his squad, as he remains keen on a move to the Vicente Calderon.

According to Manu du Juan of AS, the Spain international forward has asked “that the club wait for him,” with Atletico said to be in negotiations with Sevilla over the signing of Kevin Gameiro. It’s stated in the piece that the Blues have already rejected an offer amounting to €60 million (£50 million), with manager Antonio Conte keen to keep his man.

But De Juan added that a deal could still happen: “Chelsea are now said to be in negotiations to bring back ex-Blues striker [Romelu] Lukaku from Everton. If that deal goes through, the west London club would be in a position to open negotiations for Costa, hence the Spain international’s plea to Atletico for some patience.”

The 27-year-old striker has been a big hit with the Chelsea supporters after his move from Atletico in the summer of 2014.

As these numbers from WhoScored.com show, he relishes the hustle and bustle of the Premier League:

His edgy attacking style also made him a massive success in the Spanish capital. Indeed, the 2013-14 season with Atletico was the standout campaign of Costa’s career, as he fired the team to a shock title win.

Here’s a reminder of just how good he was that year:

It’s not a campaign those tied to Atletico will forget in a hurry, and it's why so many would love to see him back at the Calderon.

For Simeone’s side, he’s arguably the perfect centre-forward. Costa works hard, loves a physical battle and can hold the ball up, relieving pressure when Atletico sit in a deep defensive position. If he was to be paired with Antoine Griezmann up top, that’d be a potent partnership, too.

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Even if the Blues bring in another forward, it’s tough to see them parting ways with their main goal-getter. Conte demands similar traits to Simeone from his players, and he won’t want to relinquish one of the division’s standout strikers in the nascent stages of his tenure.

Chelsea Lodge Koulibaly Bid

According to Sky Italy (h/t Sky Sports), Chelsea have submitted a £38 million bid for Napoli centre-back Kalidou Koulibaly.

As noted in the piece, the player’s agent, Bruno Satin, has suggested the 25-year-old will be on the move this summer. The Blues have been strongly linked with the colossal centre-back—WhoScored has him at 6'4" in height and 89 kg in weight—and the report noted they’ve made their interest tangible in the form of an offer; the Serie A side have reportedly yet to respond.

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While the amount mentioned is plenty for a centre-back, Koulibaly has been making rapid progress in the Italian top flight. Here is a look at what he could bring to Stamford Bridge:

With John Terry ageing, Kurt Zouma coming back from injury and questions over whether Gary Cahill is quite good enough to forge an elite defence around, it’d be little surprise to see Conte draft in another centre-back this summer. Koulibaly would enrich the Blues in this area.

David Amoyal of ESPN FC noted just how much the player progressed in 2015-16 and why it’s important Napoli keep him:

The Senegal international has the physicality to cope with English football, as he relishes one-on-one battles. There’s a composure to his defending, too. Koulibaly is comfortable on the ball and confident striding out from the back to set attacks in motion. It’s a trait that’d give Chelsea a different dimension in this position.

Conte has been superb at styling defensive setups in the past and will know the significance of a solid base if the Blues are going to challenge for the title in his debut season. Koulibaly can fortify these foundations.