Chelsea striker Diego Costa is reportedly edging ever closer to a mega-money move to China this summer, with Tianjin Quanjian eyeing a £75m swoop.
The Spaniard has been crucial to Antonio Conte this season, scoring 19 goals and providing seven assists in 32 Premier League games as Chelsea look set to reclaim the title.
However, it looks as though the 28-year-old could be moving on this summer, with The Daily Record noting that Tianjin are prepared to offer him an eye-watering contract worth £650,000-a-week after tax.
There are conflicting reports though, with the Spanish media claiming that he’s already signed, while in contrast sources have suggested that he has yet to put pen to paper.
Whatever the situation may be, Costa has been strongly linked with a move to China since January, and it seems inevitable that he will make the move at the end of the season.
With Tianjin chairman Shu Yuhui adding that his club have agreed terms with two or three players, it’s another hint that Costa might be China bound. Although it’s noted in his comments in the report that he has yet to reach agreements on transfer fees.
As with Oscar previously, Chelsea will hope to receive a significant bid for Costa which in turn will give them the financial flexibility to go out and sign a world-class replacement, as Conte will need to replace his goals and add a powerful, pacy and prolific striker to fill the boots left by the Spanish international.
Although there’s been no official word on Costa leaving Stamford Bridge just yet, it seems like a matter of time as reports continue to rumble on. However, his primary focus will surely be on helping Chelsea finish the season with two trophies as they go for a Premier League and FA Cup double in the coming weeks.