Diego Costa’s determination to rejoin Atletico Madrid is holding up Chelsea’s Romelu Lukaku move
Antonio Conte's efforts to bring in the Everton hitman complicated by striker's reluctance to move to China
DIEGO COSTA’S determination to not be pushed out of the Chelsea exit door is reportedly holding up Blues’ move for Romelu Lukaku.
Antonio Conte wants rid of the striker and to replace him the Everton star.
However, the claim that the Spanish international’s reluctance to depart is complicating Conte’s efforts to bring in the Toffees hitman.
A move to the Chinese Super League has already been rejected by Costa – who will only quit the Premier League champions for a return to Atletico Madrid.
He is adamant he will only depart on his own terms and will not bow to pressure from the Italian coach in a reported “sign of all-out war” between the two.
The former Juventus boss hoped the hitman would have gone after being told he had no future at Stamford Bridge.
But Costa, 28, still has two years left on his £150,000 a week deal and is unwavering in his stance to make things difficult.
CHELSEA TRANSFER NEWS
DIEGO COSTA FACTFILE
- Diego Costa was born on October 7, 1988, in Lagarto, Brazil.
- The striker made two appearances for Brazil in 2013 before switching to become a Spain international.
- The 28-year-old began his career at Brazilian outfit Barcelona EC.
- He signed his first professional contract with Braga but failed to make an appearance for them after being loaned out to Penafiel.
- Costa then signed for Atletico Madrid in 2007 but was instantly loaned back to Braga and only made six appearances.
- But he was then loaned out to Celta Vigo and Albecete – where he made over 30 appearances at both clubs.
- Costa then moved to Valladolid for a season before returning to Atletico Madrid permanently again in 2010.
- This is where he made a name for himself before moving to Chelsea for £32million in 2014.
- Costa has won the La Liga title and Copa del Rey with Atletico Madrid and the Premier League twice and the League cup with Chelsea.
That is despite him being unhappy in England.
The Brazilian-born forward has never really settled in London despite winning the league twice in his three seasons in the capital.
He bagged 20 goals last season but still feels he would be happier back in the Spanish capital Madrid.
A potential move to the Far East was quickly ruled out due to his belief he would not be able to settle into the culture and lifestyle of China.
Therefore a return to Atletico is his No1 option – although he would not being able to sign for them until January due to the transfer ban placed on the La Liga side by Fifa.
And that leaves the whole situation at a worrying stalemate for Conte.
ROMELU LUKAKU FACTFILE
- Romelu Lukaku was born on May 13 1993 in Atwerp, Belgium
- He began his youth career at Repel Boom before spells at KFC Wintam and Lierse
- Anderlecht was Lukaku’s first club as a senior player in 2009
- After three years at the Belgian club, Lukaku was sold to Chelsea
- Lukaku struggled to break into Jose Mourinho’s first team and was loaned to West Brom in 2012
- A loan spell at Everton followed before being sold for a club record
- Lukaku has scored 110 goals in 53 appearances for the Toffees
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