Yesterday it looked like AC Milan could offer an unlikely escape hatch for everyone to walk away from the incendiary device called Diego Costa without getting too badly burned. Today, that’s already looking less likely, with various reports claiming that Milan, even with new owners in tow, cannot afford Costa’s wage demands.
Costa's wage demands hit AC Milan interest. Striker sends Conte's text on to his shocked mates #cfc https://t.co/M0sS7oQPCl
— Matt Law (@Matt_Law_DT) June 9, 2017
Here’s one from the Telegraph’s Matt Law, for example, which puts said demands at £200,000 (so basically what Chelsea were set to pay him with the rumored contract extension). There’s no word on whether Milan could afford the £40m transfer fee that was rumored, but they are apparently (and understandably) not keen on just a loan. Unlike three years ago when they willingly took on Fernando Torres in a similar situation, Milan aren’t willing to be stupid patsies this time.
More creative solutions are needed now to resolve this situation. Maybe we can subsidize a deal somehow? Or maybe Atleti can, like this report from the Standard about a potential short-term loan to China via Atleti’s part-owners claims.
#cfc determined not to sell #Costa on the cheap as Atletico look to Chinese investor to help arrange deal for him. https://t.co/MSDkHuUUht
— Simon Johnson (@sjstandardsport) June 9, 2017
On a more positive note, the Costa situation is apparently “not stalling” Chelsea’s negotiations over Lukaku, though said negotiations are undoubtedly harder now than, say, 48 hours ago, before Costa took to the mic after the Spain vs. Colombia friendly.