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Chelsea’s transfer drama not over as Diego Costa deal is still possible

By Ajitesh Rasgotra

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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Chelsea endured a hectic transfer deadline day, but the drama is not over yet. Atletico Madrid have until Friday night to thrash out a deal for Diego Costa.

Chelsea emerged battered and bruised after a crazy transfer deadline day. They landed one of the signings they were looking at (Danny Drinkwater) while plucking one out of left field (Davide Zappacosta). However, the drama could continue late into Friday night as the Spanish transfer window is still open. That means Diego Costa could still join Atletico Madrid.

Costa has been angling for a move all summer. He has remained in Brazil to train on his own, unwilling to return to Cobham and train with the youngsters. The forward has repeatedly expressed his desire to return to Atletico, evening wearing their shirt on a night out. No deal has materialised yet, though.

With an extra day to conduct business, Chelsea could get him off their books tonight. The Blues and Atletico are reportedly struggling to compromise over the fee, so progress will be needed on that front.

Deadline Day: Chelsea failed Antonio Conte over the summer and on deadline day

Getting rid of Costa is arguably as important as any of Chelsea’s incoming signings thus far. The forward is getting paid for doing absolutely nothing. Moreover, his transfer value is diminishing with each passing day as the Blues become ever more desperate to sell him.

Atletico are currently under a transfer embargo, but deals can be agreed before they are formally pushed through in January. Chelsea will be able to essentially hand Costa over to the Spaniards and free themselves of any responsibility to monitor his training and health.

It’s been a rather disappointing breakdown in relationship between Costa and the club. He has been fantastic for Chelsea since his arrival, but his head was turned in the middle of last season by an offer from China. Antonio Conte fell out with him over the matter and then informed him via text that he is not needed for this campaign.

The relationship is now frosty to say the least and the sooner Chelsea can sell him, the better. This may be a situation in which they will have to sacrifice money to get a deal done.

Next: Chelsea deadline day round-up: Significant rejection but two signings

What do you think? Will Costa leave before tonight’s Spain deadline? Let us know in the comments below!

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