Diego Costa deal may put Chelsea in a worse negotiating position
Atletico Madrid president, Enrique Cerezo, is confident of doing a deal for Diego Costa. However, that could weaken Chelsea’s bargaining strength on deadline day.
Chelsea and Atletico Madrid are reportedly close to doing a deal for Diego Costa. After weeks of back and forth between the clubs and provocative comments from the player, this sorry saga may finally be reaching its end. Enrique Cerezo is remaining ‘optimistic’. However, the closure of a deal could actually harm the Blues as the transfer window deadline approaches.
After getting back on track with wins over Tottenham and Everton, Blues fans were looking forward to a few last-minute signings to shore up the squad. The club had agreed a fee with Arsenal for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, but then things took a turn for the worst.
The winger rejected a move to Stamford Bridge. Meanwhile, bids for wantaway midfielders, Ross Barkley and Danny Drinkwater, have been turned down. With just over 24 hours left on the clock, Chelsea look set to come up empty handed.
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Confirming a deal for Costa will indicate that Chelsea have millions more to play with. The reported compromise fee stands at around £40 million.
Early on in the transfer window, this would have allowed the Blues to move for higher-profile players. With a day left, this just decreases their bargaining power. Everton and Leicester City are already holding out for significantly higher offers. If they know that Chelsea have tens of millions more in their bank, they could take their hard-ball strategy to the next level.
This will only draw out negotiations and cause Chelsea’s financially prudent board to think twice. The Blues have not yet ceded to their rivals’ demands, which makes the prospects of potential deals even slimmer.
Having said that, getting rid of Costa is almost as important as bringing in new talent. Chelsea are currently paying him to be on holiday in Brazil while his sell-on value plummets with each passing day. Waiting until January will result in the club flogging him for bargain prices.
Next: Chelsea are in a pickle following failed bids and rejection
It’s a delicate situation, but Chelsea should realise the consequences a Costa deal could have on their bargaining position. What do you think? Should the Costa deal be stalled?