Chelsea Transfer News: Diego Costa Ruled Out by Atletico Madrid, Latest Rumours

Atletico Madrid president Enrique Cerezo has ruled out signing Chelsea’s Diego Costa this summer, putting an end to speculation linking the striker with a return to the club.

Speaking about his team's summer business, Cerezo insisted the club’s transfers are done, with the likes of Kevin Gameiro and Nicolas Gaitain making the switch to the Vicente Calderon Stadium. The Atletico chief also spoke candidly about Costa.

“There wasn’t a soap opera,” he said of the 27-year-old, per Marca (h/t Football Espana). “He has a contract with Chelsea and he’s in Antonio Conte’s team. Chelsea are our friends, and a great friend, and Diego Costa is an Atletico but he’s Chelsea, where I’m sure he’ll triumph. We love Diego for what he has given us and he knows where his home is.”

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Indeed, the Spain international is hugely popular with Atletico fans due to his stunning season in 2013-14, in which the Madrid side won the title. Here is a reminder of just how impressive he was that year:

A move to the Blues followed that campaign, and Costa won another league title under Jose Mourinho. But he cut a frustrated figure last term, only showing his best towards the back end of the campaign.

Chelsea head coach Conte will be hopeful of bringing the best out of the former Atletico man this season; these numbers from WhoScored.com show just how clinical a finisher the burly striker can be:

Costa brings a lot more to a team than just goals; it’s why Atletico and their manager, Diego Simeone, loved him so much. He’s aggressive, hard-working and physical in his battles with defenders, meaning that even when he does fail to find the back of the net, he’s a big influence on matches.

While a return to the Calderon may appeal to the player, he’s the kind of forward Conte can build the team around this term. Should the Italian manager get the best from Costa this season, he’ll have one of European football’s most dangerous forwards at his disposal.

Blues Linked with Thiago Maia

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According to Simon Mullock of the Daily Mirror, Chelsea are set to watch Santos star Thiago Maia at the upcoming Olympic Games with a view to a possible £15 million transfer.

It’s suggested in the piece the Blues have already held preliminary talks with agent Kia Joorabchian about a transfer. Maia, just 19 years old, has been one of the standout holding midfield players in Brazilian football and is tipped for a bright future in the game.

Having cemented his place in the Santos side, here’s a look at why there is so much excitement about what the Brazilian could offer:

Chelsea do have options in this area of the field, ones that have been boosted by the arrival of energetic midfielder N’Golo Kante. However, there are question marks over whether Nemanja Matic and Mikel John Obi are robust enough off the ball to thrive in a Conte setup.

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While it’s still early in Maia’s career, the hallmarks are there for him to develop into that kind of player. The Brazil youth international prowls in front of the back four with intent, shutting down passing angles and stealing possession from opposition attackers.

Staying at Santos and continuing to develop would be a sensible choice on the part of the player. But if a strong showing at the Olympics is followed by a subsequent bid from Chelsea, it’d be difficult to turn down for the young man.