Chelsea Transfer News: Latest Rumours on Diego Costa and Bruma

Chelsea manager Antonio Conte has reportedly requested the club begin talks with striker Diego Costa over a new contract.

According to Sport on Sunday (h/t Dipesh Agarwal of Sport Witness), the Italian boss wants to secure the 28-year-old’s future after a blistering start to the season and the Blues are ready to increase his weekly wage to a whopping €200,000 (£172,000). The sharpshooter’s deal expires in the summer of 2019.

As noted in the report, Costa has been linked with a move back to former club Atletico Madrid in the past. In the summer, talk of a return intensified after the Spain international suffered a dip in form during his second season at Stamford Bridge.

Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images

However, the ferocious forward has found his best again under Conte, leading the line with distinction. The Match of the Day Twitter account summed up the impact he’s had in the final third this term:

Indeed, there were times in 2015-16 when Costa looked more preoccupied with riling opponents than putting the ball in the back of the net. But his Italian manager looks to have harnessed his many talents brilliantly and when the forward puts everything together so adeptly, he can be unplayable for opposition defenders.

It’s no surprise Conte considers the striker as a key part of his future plans at the club, and it’s stated in the report that Chelsea feel as though Atletico would be unable to match their wage offer. After some choppy times, to see the striker secured on a long-term deal and scoring goals would be a massive boost to those tied to the Blues.

Manchester United Rival Blues for Bruma

Matthew Ashton - AMA/Getty Images

According to Mike McGrath of the Sun (h/t George Bellshaw of Metro) Manchester United are keen to sign Galatasaray winger Bruma, although they will face competition from the likes of Chelsea and Arsenal.

In the report, it’s suggested the Red Devils are looking to bolster their squad after stuttering out of the blocks this campaign and have isolated the 22-year-old as a target. 

Bruma’s contract with the Turkish giants is set to expire at the end of the campaign, meaning he could discuss a pre-contract with other clubs in January. Alternatively, Galatasaray could decide to move him on for a reported cut-price £8 million in midseason if they have little hope of agreeing an extension.

The Portugal youth international has been a bright spark in an otherwise inconsistent beginning to the Super Lig season for the Turkish giants. Here’s a look at what he can offer at full flight:

Finding consistency with his output in the final third has always been the main issue holding Bruma back. Often, his pace and power have not been complemented by composure when presented with chances.

However, there are signs this season the winger is refining this area of the game, per OptaCan:

For Chelsea, he’d be an interesting capture. The Blues do have a lot of options in the wide positions, with Eden Hazard, Pedro and Willian among those shining under Conte this term. But as a potential bargain purchase, Bruma could thrive in one of the advanced wing roles.

If the youngster does want to earn a move to a juggernaut of the European game, it’s imperative he preserves these standards throughout the course of the campaign.