Ever since Tianjin Quanjian’s record breaking bid for Diego Costa in January a lot has been said about the Spaniard’s future. Everyone has had a say about Costa’s subsequent dip in form and the mini-resurgence towards the end of season. But with every passing day a move away from the Champions seems ever likely after he refused a new deal;
Despite his divisive nature, Costa is player any club would love to have. The character who loves to get under the defender’s skin and the one whose goals can fire a club to the Championship. But there are few clubs legitimately interested in him.
TIANJIN QUANJIAN:
The Chinese side led by Fabio Cannavaro made a huge bid for Costa in January. The player wanted the move but Conte was against it and the two reportedly fell out. Since then, the pair have seemingly patched things up and won the Premier League. But with the transfer window to reopen soon, it seems inevitable that Tianjin will make another bid for their man. Their struggle for goals matches is well documented in China and Costa can be the face of the club for the next five years. But the problem is the face that Tianjin have distanced themselves from the £75m bid recently. That is after the club claimed they had finalized he transfer of a world-class striker. Even club owner called it a ‘no-brainer’.
Tianjin have also been linked with Dortmund’s Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang but he is likely to move to Real.
A RETURN TO SPAIN:
Costa has often spoken about his love for Spain, his home country and Atletico Madrid. He has not ruled out a return to the Vincente Calderon or rather the Wanda Metropolis during his stay in London. He even said he sees himself in Atletico’s red and white once again in the future. Atletico Madrid will openly welcome the man who fired them to the La Liga title and the Champions League Final a few years back. Combine that with Alexandre Lacazette’s imminent move to Atletico and Griezmann’s move away, a return seems like a no-brainer. Atletico have reportedly even requested Chelsea to keep them in the loop during any negotiations in Costa’s transfer out.
Diego Simeone is set to stay and Torres’ future up in doubt, this deal could just go through.
THE PARIS OPTION:
Costa and Cavani playing for one team. Wow! Though the move seems highly unlikely, one would not be comfortable placing a bet against this proposition. Paris have the money and vision that could attract Costa there. There was a rumor that emerged recently that suggested that Costa told his friends he wants a move to PSG. A swap deal involving Javier Pastore moving in the other direction has also been mooted.
Chelsea did make a move for Pastore in January but were stone-walled by Paris who would sell their player. At least until this summer.
STAYING PUT:
Though highly unlikely, Costa might eventually decide that his future lies at the Bridge under Conte. Conte has even told the Board at Chelsea to do their best to keep the Spaniard at Chelsea but is prepared to lose him and has transfer targets lined up.
While a move away for Costa seems inevitable, it could draw out into a long summer saga. One cannot rule out the possibility of a want-away striker at Chelsea come August and the Community Shield. Conte would to like Costa’s issue be settled as soon as possible and concentrate on his team’s title defense.