Costa checks in at Chelsea’s training ground
Published:As one door closes, another opens at Stamford Bridge. Merely a day after Frank Lampard announced his decision to leave, Spanish hotshot striker, Diego Costa has passed a medical at the Blues.
Jose Mourinho has been on the look-out for someone to step into the shoes of Didier Drogba, and there were rumours of moves for Monaco’s Radamel Falcao, and Edinson Cavani at PSG.
Atletico Madrid accepted a reported Blues bid of £32m, which met the buyout clause in Costa’s contract, and the 25-year-old promptly passed a medical.
After scoring 27 goals in 34 La Liga starts, it appears Mourinho is convinced that the player can make a similar impact in west London, with Chelsea 2/1 for the 2014/15 title.
He has been visibly frustrated with his strikeforce this term. Fernando Torres, Samuel Eto’o, and Demba Ba only managed to net 19 in the Premier League between them. Costa though, showed Blues fans what he could do first-hand in the Champions League semi-final second leg at Stamford Bridge, being a handful for defenders, and also netting a penalty.
Mourinho’s shopping doesn’t stop there. More business is brewing between the two clubs, and with Chelsea needing replacements for both Ashley Cole, and the departing Lampard, Felipe Luis and Koke have been identified to take the left back and central midfield berths respectively in the team.
Tiago has also been linked back, having previously played under the ‘Special One’ on Kings Road. He is available on a bosman free transfer and, along with Luis and Koke, would help to smooth the transition for Costa. Currently in Brazil for the World Cup, his Spain team are 13/2 to win the tournament.
Manchester City showed everyone that doing their business early in the transfer window last summer obviously pays off, and Chelsea clearly feel this will pay dividends. They didn’t win a trophy last season, and previous managers have been fired for more. With Mourinho at the helm, it appears they are prepared to reaffirm their faith.
The revolving door looks set to swing some more.
