Transfer rumor roundup 6/8: Costa’s Chelsea exit confirmed
By Nick Pitner
Here’s a roundup of the latest news and transfer rumors surrounding which players could be joining new teams in the coming months.
After being linked with a transfer to China during Chelsea’s Premier League-winning campaign, Diego Costa revealed Wednesday that manager Antonio Conte has confirmed he’s no longer needed at Stamford Bridge.
Speaking to reporters following Spain’s draw against Colombia, Costa said, “I’m a Chelsea player, but they do not want me there. Antonio Conte has told me by message that I do not follow at Chelsea and that’s it. Conte said he did not count on me for next season,” per ESPN FC.
Given Costa’s rocky relationship with Conte during their first season together, news that the striker isn’t in the Italian’s plans for next term doesn’t exactly come as a surprise. However, since speculation surrounding a China transfer has cooled, it now remains to be seen where the temperamental talisman will ply his trade next season.
According to Marca, Costa is yearning for a return to Atletico Madrid, but the club’s transfer ban complicates his situation.
Although he’s reportedly held talks with manager Diego Simeone and CEO Miguel Angel Gil Marin, Costa would need to sit out until January before being eligible to play for Atleti.
Whether he’d be willing to doing so in a World Cup year, and whether Simeone would sign off on such inactivity, is something all parties will have to consider.
In his final season with Atleti, Costa bagged 36 goals across 52 total appearances, leading the Spanish club to the 2014 Champions League final.
Another center-forward seemingly set for a summer transfer is Andrea Belotti, who Gianluca Di Marzio reports was the subject of an official meeting between Torino president Urbano Cairo and AC Milan CEO Marco Fassone on Wednesday.
Although Milan’s initial offer for Belotti was far lower than his €100 million release clause, it’s thought that the Rossoneri will return with a bid of €70 million plus a few of their current players.
A deal of that nature is anticipated to entice Torino into selling their prized possession, who remarkably registered 26 goals and seven assists in Serie A this past season despite being just 23 years old.
Along with Belotti, AC Milan’s offseason overhaul is aimed to include Lazio pair Keita Balde and Lucas Biglia, according to Sky Italia.
After already closing transfers for Mateo Musacchio, Franck Kessie and Ricardo Rodriguez, Milan have now reached an agreement with Lazio over a €50 million package deal for Keita and Biglia.
That transaction, however, is pending the former’s approval, as Keita also reportedly has an offer on the table from Juventus.
In 21 starts this past season, the 22-year-old Kieta tallied 16 goals and three assists, while Biglia led Lazio with 55.6 passes attempted and 3.2 tackles completed per game, per WhoScored.
That’s not all AC Milan are up to, though, as Di Marzio also reports the club will meet with Atalanta right-back Andrea Conti’s agent on Thursday.
Along with Kessie, the 23-year-old was a revelation as Atalanta finished fourth-place this year, notching a healthy eight goals and five assists from his wing-back position.
For good measure, Conte placed in Atalanta’s top five in total tackles and interceptions as well, leaving no doubt why Inter Milan are also interested in his services.
Next: Liverpool end formal interest in Virgil van Dijk
A player set to arrive in Europe this summer is Mexican starlet Hirving Lozano, who Pachuca president Jesus Martinez confirmed has three teams vying for his signature, per Goal.
While some reports suggested Celta de Vigo had already secured a transfer, Real Sociedad and PSV are competing to acquire the winger as well.
That comes amid heavy interest from fellow Liga MX outfit Chivas, but Martinez insisted Lozano will only be sold to Europe.
In 30 total appearances for Pachuca this season, the 21-year-old Lozano has accumulated 18 goals and seven assists.
To conclude, one of this week’s biggest transfer developments has come to a screeching halt, as Liverpool released a statement Wednesday ending their pursuit of Southampton defender Virgil van Dijk.
Of course, the Reds’ admission only comes after Southampton said they would report them for a potential illegal approach for the center-half.
Although the 25-year-old was believed to favor a move to Anfield this summer, Liverpool have suddenly now pulled out of the chase, leaving Manchester City and Chelsea as his most likely destinations.