Expectations were certainly high at Chelsea following one of the most dominant championship campaigns in Premier League history but after just three wins through their first 12 games, the outlook at Stamford Bridge has completely changed. The Blues have become a hotbed for controversy with the latest reports indicating that Diego Costa – one of the team’s key contributors from last season – desperately wants out. Costa is coming off a brilliant season at Chelsea in which he scored 21 goals in 37 games across all competitions and there is no doubt that despite his slow start to this campaign, he would be highly coveted across Europe. Here is a look at the four most likely landing spots for Costa.
Atletico Madrid
Costa spent four years at AtletIco Madrid from 2010 to 2014 before his move to Chelsea and it should be no surprise the La Liga side has been reported as his most likely transfer destination. Atletico boss Diego Simone has spoken openly about his desire to bring Costa back to Spain and it wouldn’t be a shock at all if that desire was mutual. Costa has had nothing but good things to say about his time with Atletico and has openly expressed his desire to return. Atletico is not going to be scared off by his sluggish start in the EPL this season as they know what he’s all about. There’s also a need for scoring here as Atletico is currently third in La Liga with goals scored. They are 10 off the pace and that’s significant.
The combination of mutual interest, familiarity and Costa’s desire for a fresh start could be enough to ensure that he makes his return to La Liga at some point in the near future.
Barcelona
One more reason to expect Costa’s return to Spain is the interest that Barcelona has in him as well as they have named him as a priority target on their transfer list. According to Spanish newspaper Don Balon, Barcelona boss Luis Enrique is a big fan of Costa and loves his ability as a big forward that can battle with defenders and use his size and strength to win battles up front. Atletico should be considered the frontrunner to land Costa but their interest will only drive Barcelona’s desire to acquire him instead even more.
Real Madrid
Real Madrid is in a similar position to Barcelona as a top La Liga team that will want to get in on the bidding for Costa if he is being moved. Real is already pretty loaded up front but they have still shown a need for help at times. They have used Cristiano Ronaldo out wide and could use a pure finisher with the skill set that Costa would bring to the table. It might be a long shot but almost any time that Atletico Madrid and Barcelona are in the mix to acquire a player, Real Madrid has to be considered another possible destination as well. They currently lead La Liga in goal scoring with 26 so far but they won’t want to fall behind – especially if it comes down to finding the highest bidder and Atletico doesn’t have the money to acquire him.
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Manchester City
Speaking of money, no team has more to spend than Chelsea’s rivals at Manchester City. Despite the unlikelihood that they would move him to a fellow Premier Club, it is impossible to completely overlook the possibility. Of course, the Blues don’t want to do business with the Reds but at some point, the franchise’s future has to be prioritized ahead of emotions and rivalries.
Atletico should be considered the favorite to land Costa, but Barcelona and Real are two potential Spanish suitors with enough money to afford him as well and nobody is ruling out a potential move to Manchester City just yet as the dark horse club in this group.
