Saturday, 5th April, 2014
Germany legend Michael Ballack has hinted at movement on the transfer front in relation to Atletico Madrid striker Diego Costa.
Chelsea have been consistently linked with the Spain international, along with a whole host of other clubs – and with Costa having a buyout clause in his contract, Los Rojiblancos face a battle to keep hold of him this coming summer.
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Ballack, who was a pundit for Sky Sports during Chelsea's 3-0 Premier League win over Stoke City at Stamford Bridge today, was asked about the possibility of Costa being the striking reinforcement Blues boss Jose Mourinho has admitted they require, given another misfiring performance from Fernando Torres.
And the former Chelsea and Germany midfielder replied: "I think they already have an eye on him, not only Chelsea.
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"I think there is something already going on", Ballack added.
It has been speculated that Chelsea could offer Torres in part-exchange to Atletico Madrid to bag Costa, given the Spaniard started his career at the Vicente Calderon and remains a fan favourite.
The Blues will be sure to face much opposition for the striker however, and some of that could come from across London, where Arsene Wenger's Arsenal have been consistently linked with launching a bid for the Brazil-born talent.
Atletico Madrid's sporting director has confirmed the existence of a €38m release clause in the player's contract.
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