Potential options for Diego Costa this summer

Spain international Diego Costa will have a huge decision to make in the summer after it was known that he is no longer in Antonio Conte’s plans for the upcoming campaign. The Brazilian-born star received a private text message from the manager revealing his team status, and this has heightened speculation over where Costa could ply his trade next season.

A return to Atletico Madrid has been on Costa’s radar for the past year or so, but he will not be able to realise the move for at least six months after the Madrid-based club failed to have their transfer ban overturned at CAS, who have placed specific restrictions for the summer. Atleti won’t be able to even sign players to register for the New Year and this will probably see Costa prefer a temporary deal.

Costa is undoubtedly desperate for regular first-team action in order to maintain his national team spot and today we look into the probable clubs, who could be keen on an agreement.

AC Milan are the first side that come into the mind due to their friendly relationship with Atleti. Fernando Torres was recruited from Chelsea on a permanent deal back in 2015, and the Rossoneri therein enabled the player to make a dream return to Diego Simeone’s side. Such a move could be possible with Costa, but for this, the Italian club will have to match his hefty wages.

Secondly, Costa could link up with the mega-rich Chinese Super League on a temporary basis. The Spaniard has openly suggested a move to the Far East is not an option, but who would refuse a potentially record-breaking package for a couple of months.

The third choice would be for Costa to stay put at Stamford Bridge regardless of his shrewd relationship with Conte. For this, he will have to receive the guarantee of first-team football, though it could be restricted to a few games during the first half of the season. The final option looks the most unlikelier of the lot with Conte expected to restrict Costa’s presence in his matchday squad.

Image – Getty