Chelsea finally agree deal to bring star Spain striker Diego Costa to Stamford Bridge

AFTER weeks of rumour and speculation, EPL big guns Chelsea have finally agreed to sign striker Diego Costa from Atletico Madrid.

(FIles) In this file picture taken on March 11, 2014, Atletico Madrid's Brazilian-born forward Diego da Silva Costa celebrates after scoring their first goal during their UEFA Champions League quarter-final second leg football match against AC Milan at the Vicente Calderon stadium in Madrid. Chelsea have agreed to sign striker Diego Costa from Atletico Madrid, the Premier League club announced Tuesday, July 1, 2014. The Spain international had long been linked with a move to the London side and completion of the deal appears to be imminent after the Blues said they had met the buy-out clause for the 25-year-old forward. It has been reported the eventual transfer fee could be in the region of £32 million ($55 million, 40 million euros). AFP PHOTO/ JAVIER SORIANO

AFTER weeks of rumour and speculation, Chelsea have finally agreed to sign striker Diego Costa from Atletico Madrid.

The Spain international had long been linked with a move to the London side and completion of the deal appears to be imminent after the Blues said they had met the buy-out clause for the 25-year-old forward.

“Chelsea Football Club can confirm an agreement has been reached with Atletico Madrid for the transfer of Diego Costa, with Chelsea meeting the buy-out clause for the Spanish international,” said a statement on the club’s website.

Atletico said Costa had sought a move to Chelsea but the club had insisted on receiving his full buy-out clause.

“Diego Costa communicated at the end of last season his will to be transferred to Chelsea and today the two clubs have reached an agreement for which the London club must pay the full amount set as the buy-out clause in the contract between the player and the club,” a statement said.

He spearheaded Atletico’s attack in a memorable 2013/2014 campaign in which they won La Liga and reached the Champions League final under Argentine manager Diego Simeone.

Costa scored 36 goals in all competitions before heading to his native Brazil for the World Cup with Spain, although he failed to make an impact as the defending champions made an early exit from the tournament.

Originally published as Chelsea finally agree deal to bring star Spain striker Diego Costa to Stamford Bridge