According to reports from Marca and The Daily Mail respectively, Atletico Madrid are planning to swoop for Chelsea striker Diego Costa and Manchester United midfielder Ander Herrera during the summer transfer window.
The beastly frontman bagged 36 goals in 52 appearances during his final season at Vincente Calderon, firing Atletico to the La Liga title and a Champions League final, before moving to Stamford Bridge at a cost of £32million in summer 2014.
But the Spain international has never quite settled in west London, despite being set to finish up as Chelsea’s top scorer for a second consecutive season, and Atletico strongly hinted in February that they’ll look to re-sign him during the summer transfer window.
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Marca report on their keenness to do so once again but further claim it is reciprocated by the 6 foot 2 striker, who they allegedly launched a bid for immediately after Jackson Martinez’s £38million transfer to Guangzhou Evergrande last month. Chelsea, however, remain reluctant to sell a frontman who boasts a potent return of 35 goals in 71 appearances for them.
According to The Daily Mail, meanwhile, Atletico are also lining up a summer swoop for Manchester United playmaker Ander Herrera.
Despite showing glimpses of his ability since arriving at Old Trafford from Athletic Bilbao at the start of last season, the Spaniard has struggled to hold down a regular first-team role under Louis van Gaal, managing just 15 Premier League starts so far this term.
With his contract set to enter its final two years come the summer transfer window – although Herrera has the option of a twelve-month extension – its claimed bids matching United’s original £29million investment could convince them to sell, especially if LVG is still in charge at Old Trafford.
Atletico are particularly interested in a deal for the 26-year-old but they face competition from rival suitors Juventus, who view Herrera as a potential replacement for in-demand midfielder Paul Pogba.