As reported by both the Telegraph and the Evening Standard (and then others as well), Diego Costa’s absence at the start of pre-season today (Monday) has been excused by the club. While it’s not clear how long the absence will go on, it’s likely to be a permanent one with Costa given the time off specifically so that the details of his transfer back to Atlético Madrid can be figured out.
Story - Chelsea allow Costa to miss the start of pre-season training to try to secure Atletico return https://t.co/fU7sPqrnXg
— Matt Law (@Matt_Law_DT) July 10, 2017
This development meshes with reports of Costa not being anywhere near a London-bound airplane this weekend and reports from last week, which claimed that he had started saying his goodbyes to his soon-to-be former Chelsea teammates.
Would be surprised if Costa returns to Cobham at all. #cfc and Atletico in talks and all three parties want deal to happen.all about the fee
— Simon Johnson (@sjstandardsport) July 10, 2017
As reported by AS earlier, Costa has basically agreed personal terms with Atlético already — which thus probably does not involve a short-term loan move until January — but the two teams were rather far apart on the fee at last check. Atléti’s latest offer is in the €30m range, roughly half of Chelsea’s asking price, but that’s probably the best we can do in this case.
Let’s just get this done, shall we?