By Ander Bilbao - Chief Editor of Goal Spain If Atletico Madrid President Enrique Cerezo is to be believed, the Spanish high-flyers have little intention of entertaining the sale of Diego Costa this summer. I do not think Diego Costa is going to leave Atletico next year. We do not want any player to be bargaining chip, he said earlier this month. However, in admitting that teams are coming for our players, Cerezo admitted at least the growing interest in Atleticos top stars, with rumours increasing by the day about one sale or another. Equally, the recent stories of a potential Atletico deal for Fernando Torres could have an impact on their sales strategy, while the future of Atleticos keeper Thibault Courtois - on loan from Chelsea of course - could also prove a factor. Either way, what is sure is that Atletico would not be paying as much money out for a new striker. The west Londoners are keen to tie up the deal before the end of the season and ahead of Costa departing for the World Cup, where he is expected to be an integral member of the Spain squad trying to defending their 2010 crown. Costa has emerged as Chelseas top centre-forward target following a stellar campaign for Champions League quarter-finalists and La Liga title challengers Atletico. The 25-year-old has scored 31 times in 41 matches this season and his 23-goal league haul is second only to Cristiano Ronaldo (26). Chelsea were keen to trigger the Brazil-born forwards release clause in January, when he was also being closely monitored by rivals Arsenal, but the player did not want to leave in mid-season.
Posted on: Wed, 26 Mar 2014 17:11:44 +0000
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