Arsenal Blow As Chelsea Reach ‘Verbal Agreement’ To Sign Diego Costa

With the January transfer window in full flow clubs are working hard to try and strengthen their squad for the second half of the season, so we’ll keep you up-to-date with all the latest news, gossip and rumours. Today, have Chelsea reached a verbal agreement to sign Diego Costa?

Chelsea appear to have beaten off stiff competition from Arsenal to secure the signing of Atleitco Madrid striker Diego Costa this summer, according to reports in Spain.

Costa is one of Europe’s most sought-after hitmen after enjoying a stunning season that’s seen him score 23 goals in just 22 appearances to help Atletico Madrid keep pace with Barcelona at the top of La Liga, as well as firing them into the last 16 of the Champions League.

Reports last week in the Times newspaper suggested that Chelsea were now considered favourites ahead of Arsenal to land the prolific striker after Jose Mourinho had supposedly opened formal talks over his signature.

Well it seems those talks may have come to a happy conclusion with the Metro citing reports coming out of Spain that claim the Blues have now reached a ‘verbal agreement’ to sign Costa at the end of the season.

Spanish broadcaster ‘La Sexta’ are apparently reporting that Chelsea have agreed to meet the 25-year-old’s £32m buy-out clause with Madrid understanding that it’s going to be “impossible” for them to hang onto him after his sensational form this season.

However, the newspaper says there are still question marks over whether the deal could yet include goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois – who’s enjoyed two-and-a-half years on loan with Atletico and may find it difficult to displace Petr Cech when he returns to Stamford Bridge in the summer.

Some sort of swap deal would certainly make sense, but it remains to be seen whether Chelsea will agree to it or what Mourinho’s plans are for the 21-year-old Belgian stopper.

While the reports seem to suggest Costa to Chelsea is pretty much a ‘done deal’, until something official is signed there is still hope for the likes of Arsenal. The Gunners are in need of reinforcements up front and Arsene Wenger proved in the summer with the signing of Mesut Ozil that he’s now prepared to pay big-money for the top players, so I wouldn’t discount them just yet.

But Chelsea are rightly considered the favourites because even if Arsenal also come to an agreement with Atletico to pay Costa’s release clause, Chelsea could then decide to use Courtois as bait to sway the deal in their favour.

It’s going to be interesting to see where Costa ends up as his buy-out fee looks something of a bargain when you consider the kind of form he’s in, and he’d be an excellent addition to the Premier League next season if Chelsea or Arsenal manage to lure him to England.

READ MORE –> Arsenal transfer news | Chelsea transfer news

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