Transfer news: Chelsea reportedly reach verbal agreement for Atletico Madrid striker Diego Costa

In form striker could leave La Liga in the summer

Diego Costa celebrates scoring for Atletico Madrid (GETTY IMAGES)

Chelsea have reportedly reached a verbal agreement for Atletico Madrid striker Diego Costa that will see the player join the club in the summer.

Liverpool, Manchester United and Arsenal are all thought to be interested in the player but it is understood that Chelsea have agreed to pay his £32m buyout clause this summer.

According to agent Francois Gallardo, the Madrid club decided to agree to the deal after resigning themselves to the fact that they would be losing their star.

He told La Sexta: "Atletico knows it is impossible to hold onto him."

In the past Atletico manager Diego Simeone has admitted no player is indispensible and now it appears he may have decided to cash in on Costa.

However it remains to be seen what this reported verbal agreement consists of and whether Thibault Courtois, who has spent the past three seasons on loan in Madrid, will be included in the deal.

Costa has been in fantastic form this season, scoring 19 goals in just 20 appearances for Atletico.