Jackson Martinez Deal Has Significant Implications For Chelsea FC
Chelsea FC target Jackson Martinez has left Atletico Madrid, but this development is set to have implications regarding Diego Costa’s future.
Atletico Madrid reportedly made an audacious attempt to lure Diego Costa back to Spain as the transfer window reached its climax. Using Jackson Martinez as a makeweight, the Spaniards tried to successfully table a swap-plus-cash deal in order to resign the Chelsea striker.
The Blues held firm and no deal materialised. However, evidently not seeing a promising future for Martinez at the Vicente Calderon, Atletico have sent him packing to China in a lucrative €42 million agreement. The West Londoners may now be wary of Atletico after Spanish publication Marca claimed that the proceeds from this sale will be used to fund a fresh effort to purchase Costa in the summer.
"[Atletico] han vendido a su jugador por 42 millones, una cantidad que será invertida en el vuelta de Diego Costa el próximo mes de junio. – MARCA.com[Atletico] have sold the player for €42 million, an amount that will be invested in bringing Diego Costa back next June."
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Costa was subjected to speculation regarding an Atletico return as far back as the summer. The rumours at the time were dismissed by Blues fans as nonsense. However, as the season began and Costa began his fall from grace, they looked increasingly justified.
The striker has found some form in recent weeks, hitting the back of the net six times in his last seven appearances, but questions still remain over his happiness at Stamford Bridge. The reports in the summer claimed that he was struggling to settle into life in the capital and whatever his on-field form may be, personal issues matter most.
Diego Simeone evidently believes that Costa is still open to returning to the Vicente Calderon and the Spanish outfit will seemingly go all-out in order to secure one of their best-loved players. The affection that Costa commands from the Atleti faithful and the respect that he has for their boss could even see the striker push for an exit should he be convinced that their interest is concrete.
It will be interesting to see how Chelsea handle a play for the forward over the summer. His temperament has always rendered him a liability (as we have witnessed in this campaign) but his departure could potentially leave the Blues in need of three new signings. Radamel Falcao is almost certainly on his way back to AS Monaco once his deal is up while Loic Remy was close to an exit this January.
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The bulk of these variables will inevitably depend on the next permanent Chelsea boss. He will have the summer to craft his own squad and if he ultimately feels that the Blues would be better off with the money, then Costa will be shown the door.
Would anyone be particularly disappointed?