Controversial Chelsea striker set for temporary loan switch

It’s more of when and not if Chelsea striker Diego Costa will leave Stamford Bridge this season but it looks like we are edging closer to a final resolution.

With the summer transfer window now shut, La Liga giant Atletico Madrid haven’t stopped their chase of the Spain international striker after a transfer embargo really put an end to their bids in the summer window.

Reports this week have indicated that Atletico Madrid have agreed on a fee worth about £54m with the West London club for the transfer of the striker who spent four years with the Spanish La Liga club before joining Chelsea back in 2014.

Costa, 28, is willing to return to Atletico Madrid, but he won’t be able to feature for the team until January, but Al Hilal FC of Saudi Arabia have been seen as a potential temporary loan destination.

The Brazil born Spaniard is not part of the first-team picture at Stamford Bridge after manager Antonio Conte put him up for sale and Al Hilal would be ready to snap him up on loan until January 2018 to hand him some game time.

Both Atletico Madrid and Premier League Champions Chelsea are confident a transfer can be agreed before both sides lock horns in the UEFA Champions League later in the month.