Diego Costa wants out of Chelsea. This, he has made perfectly clear.
The Brazilian-born Spanish international has also made it known that his preferred destination is Atletico Madrid, his former club.
Although a return to Madrid might eventually materialise for Costa, Atleti’s transfer ban means the earliest he can re-register as one of their players will be January. Obviously, this poses a problem for the 28-year-old, who quite clearly has no intention of returning to Stamford Bridge any time soon.
One man with a possible solution could be Everton boss, Ronald Koeman, who was asked about the possibility of bringing Costa to Goodison Park on a loan.
“I said always a warm welcome for every good player and he’s a good player,” the Dutcman said.
“We are still looking to bring a striker in.”
Not only would a deal for Costa strengthen Koeman’s attacking options for a few months, it would also suit the player. Assuming Chelsea sanction his departure to Atleti in the new year, Costa will be given the opportunity to play regular first team football again for the months leading up to his return to Spain.
Everton reached the group stages of the Europa League on Thursday night after securing an aggregate victory over Hajduk Split in Croatia. If Costa were to agree a loan move to Everton, participating in the Europa League would see him unable to represent any other club in European competition for the remainder of the season.
