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Chelsea, AC Milan have little to gain from a short-term Diego Costa loan

By George Perry

LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 27: Diego Costa of Chelsea celebrates scoring his sides first goal during the Emirates FA Cup Final between Arsenal and Chelsea at Wembley Stadium on May 27, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 27: Diego Costa of Chelsea celebrates scoring his sides first goal during the Emirates FA Cup Final between Arsenal and Chelsea at Wembley Stadium on May 27, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images) /
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AC Milan popped up in the latest round of Diego Costa transfer rumours on Tuesday. The deal would make little sense for anyone, including Chelsea.

While Chelsea assign Diego Costa a new training regimen to prepare him for the upcoming season, they are still trying to find someone willing and able to take him for that season. Atletico Madrid remains the most eager destination, with Diego Simeone still lighting up in conversation about Costa’s return. However, none of the parties have been able to square their respective plans with the fact of Atletico’s transfer ban.

AC Milan’s general manager met with Jorge Mendes last week. Mendes represents Costa, among other clients. The whole slate of clients – not just Costa – was the topic of conversation. On Tuesday, SkySports’ reporters tweeted that Chelsea would loan Costa to Milan for the first half of the season. In January, then, the Blues would sell Costa to Atletico when they were no longer under the ban.

AC Milan are on a spending binge this summer, as they look to reignite their ambition and success. So far they have purchased eight players for a total of about £170 million. Even with the £34 million signing of Andre Silva from FC Porto, AC Milan needs serious help on offence.

Milan finished sixth in Serie A last season, but 10th in goals scored. The leading scorer was 30-year old Carlos Bacca, with 13 goals. The 21-year old Silva scored 17 goals at Porto last season, which gives him a long-term upside at Milan but does not do much for their immediate plans.

Diego Costa could be a decent signing for AC Milan, but only on a permanent basis. Milan needs a striker of Costa’s experience and ability, but not for the first half of the season. They have previously been linked to Andrea Belotti and Pierre-Emrick Aubemayang, but then again, who hasn’t?

AC Milan may be desperate enough to pay Chelsea the full market value for Diego Costa. If Milan bid anything over £35 million, the Blues should move faster than a Manchester City fan heading for the exits. However, Milan knows that Costa’s heart belongs to Atletico and Simeone. They would be buying the same drama Chelsea are desperate to unload.

A half-season loan to Milan and a verbal commitment to buy from Atletico only superficially helps Chelsea. They would still have Diego Costa on the books. A lot can happen in a half season of football, particularly when three of the biggest leagues are involved. Any number of scenarios could result in Chelsea searching for a buyer in January, or otherwise having to once again resolve The Diego Costa Situation.

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The half-season loan would only make sense for Chelsea if, somehow, they have not moved Diego Costa by the dying days of the transfer window. AC Milan is unlikely to still be on the hunt for another striker by then, which would leave Chelsea in a near impossible position. If only that prospect seemed far-fetched.

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