Chelsea have triggered Diego Costa's release clause and agreed a £32 million deal with Atletico Madrid to sign the striker this summer, according to the Daily Star. The agreement now means Costa is free to discuss personal terms with the Blues and looks all set to triple his wages to around £150,000-a-week by joining the Stamford Bridge club. Chelsea have been keen to wrap up a deal for the 25-year-old as early as possible with manager Jose Mourinho desperate to remedy his striking woes ahead of next season. Mourinho has long bemoaned his lack of firepower with Fernando Torres, Demba Ba and Samuel Eto'o enduring a mixed campaign, and has identified Costa as the man he wants to build his side around. The Portuguese also wants to tie up a deal as soon as possible to avoid the Brazilian's valuation inflating in the event of a successful World Cup tournament this summer. Despite being Brazil-born, Costa will be representing Spain at the tournament. Costa has emerged from Radamel Falcao's shadow at Atletico and has scored 36 goals in 50 appearances in league and cup for the The Red-and-Whites this season, putting them on the cusp of winning their first Spanish title since 1991.
Joseph is an accredited football journalist and has interviewed nearly all of the current 20 Barclay's Premier League managers. He is also a correspondent for Bleacher Report and has written for Caught Offside and Give Me Football.
