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Diego Costa latest: Chelsea eager to push through deal among fears that Atletico Madrid are dragging their feet

Deal worth £32million and Costa has completed a medical but Chelsea are worried that Spanish club are waiting to see if other offers will come in

Marc Williams
Saturday 07 June 2014 16:37 BST
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Diego Costa completed his Chelsea medical ahead of his move to Stamford Bridge
Diego Costa completed his Chelsea medical ahead of his move to Stamford Bridge (Getty Images)

Chelsea’s pursuit of Diego Costa hasn’t been without its difficulties and now the club are trying to push through the deal as quickly as possible with fears that Atletico Madrid are waiting to see if any other offers will be made by rival clubs.

Costa completed his medical on Wednesday ahead of his £32million switch to West London but formalities are still not finished and now Chelsea are worried that the Spanish champions are holding back to see if a more lucrative deal can be made elsewhere.

The Blues met Costa’s buyout clause and the player has told the club he wants to leave with both parties eager to complete the deal before the World Cup gets underway, something that should be straight forward given that only standard paperwork is left to do.

But, the deal, worth a reported £150,000 a week, is still not finalised which is of cause for concern for Chelsea.

A Chelsea source said: "Chelsea have made an offer to Atletico Madrid in compliance with the buyout terms in Diego Costa’s contract, and Chelsea have been advised that the player has provided notice to Atletico Madrid invoking the buyout clause and directing the club to accept Chelsea’s offer.

"Chelsea looks forward to entering into formal transfer documentation with Atletico Madrid as soon as possible so that the player can concentrate on the World Cup."

Chelsea and Costa will be hoping that the deal has been completed in time for Spain’s opening World Cup game against the Netherlands on June 13.

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