Why Chelsea Should Sell Diego Costa

The Daily Mirror believes that Chelsea have rejected a transfer enquiry for controversial Brazilian striker, Diego Costa. The report states that the Brazilian’s former coach, Diego Simeone, approached  Chelsea to discuss a possible return for the former Atletico man, but it is believed Chelsea refused the offer. The striker was a regular on the sidelines earlier in the season, with issues of injuries but appears to have shaken them off as Chelsea begin their revival in the second half of the season.

The 27-year old has suffered a great dip in form in recent times, but his recent 3 goals in his last two matches have made critics believe he is gradually regaining his lost form and is now expected to stay back at Stamford Bridge. Costa suffered a terrrible run of form which saw him score just 3 goals for The Blues in 16 league matches, he was also part of the trio heavily criticised at some quarters to be the architect of former manager, Jose Mourinho’s demise.

It is believed that Atletico Madrid were hoping to strike a swap deal that will see highly rated Colombian striker, Jackson Martinez, move to Chelsea as Atletico hope to recapture their former striker. But, it is now certain, Chelsea interim boss, Guus Hiddink, has no plan to offload the striker that appears to be picking up momentum, under his guidance. In the last few weeks, Chelsea have been seriously linked to some top notch attackers in Shaktar’s Alex Texiera, and Atletico’s Antoine Greizmann. Both attackers have been in sparkling form this season.

Griezmann have scored 14 goals in 24 appearance for Atletico so far, 9 of his those coming from taking the lead role as a center forward and the remaining 5, as a wing forward. While Alex Teixeira has appeared 21 times in Shaktar colours this season, scoring in 25 occasions. He scored 3 goals in his 6 appearances as an attacking midfielder, averaging a goal in two games, while the rest have come from playing as a center forward.

It would be unwise if Chelsea refuses to consider Atletico’s offer for the controversial Brazilian born Spanish international who appears to be Wat behind the pair of Greizmann and Teixeira. They have well exhibited their goalscoring prowess which appears to be far better than what Costa has been able to deliver all season. Another point of focus is the versatility of both Teixeira and Greizmann, the pair can comfortably take up additional roles, while in stark contrast, Brazilian born Costa, has only been potent in the center forward role, a potency which appears to have eluded him this season.

Costa have arguably not witnessed his best days since joining Chelsea in a €40million deal in 2014. His best season was the 2013/2014 season where he scored 35 goals for Atletico, 27 in the league and 9 in the Champions League, last season at Chelsea, after a good start, he managed to end the season with a total of 20 league goals, Costa never got a goal in the  7 Champions League appearances he made.

Obviously it would be better to let Costa return to Spain as it will definitely increase Chelsea’s chances of landing Antoine Greizmann, for whom Athletico have shown the desire to keep for as long as possible. Another reason why Chelsea should listen to offers for Costa, is his provocative attitude on the pitch.

Costa has always been linked with controversies since the beginning of his professional career. He even caused a brawl after scoring his first major goal in Spain while on loan at Celta Vigo, which eventually led to his sending off in that match. Another of his major controversies in Spain was striking fellow Brazilian defender, Weligton in the head, causing an injury that required medical stitches

While at Spain, Costa was regarded as a reputable trouble maker and a disruptive influence. After moving to England, his controversies never evaded him. In a game against Arsenal at Stamford Bridge, Costa repeatedly slapped Laurent Kolscieny and then confronted Gabriel. Another of his several provocative attitude was when he dug his studs into Martin Skrtel’s chest. He was named the league’s dirtiest player after the incident by Daily Express.

Chelsea will soon start counting heavy losses if they decide to keep a player with great unprofessionalism as Costa. The Blues will obviously be on a safer side if they agree to listen to offers for the provocative Brazilian.