Chelsea confirm Costa deal, but will he end up like Torres?
Another of football's worst-kept secrets has been confirmed - Diego Costa is going to Chelsea.
The west Londoners released a short statement confirming that they had agreed a deal with Atletico Madrid for the transfer of the Spain striker after they met his release clause, which is believed to be 40 million euros ($68.2m).
However, the Blues have had a rather terrible track record in recent years when it comes to strikers, so is this the (beginning of the) end of Costa's career?
The signs aren't that great for the 25-year-old Brazilian born attacker as big names like Andriy Shevchenko, Nicolas Anelka and Fernando Torres have joined players like Demba Ba, Daniel Sturridge and Fabio Borini in seeing their goals dry up after joining Chelsea.
Costa endured a miserable World Cup with Spain as he failed to find the net for La Roja's three group stage games as they were sent home early.
Before that, Costa failed to fire as Atletico lost the Champions League final to city rivals Real Madrid.
While the signs are pointing to another Chelsea striking dud, it is perhaps important to remember that Costa was rushed back from injury for the Champions League final and may not be in peak condition just yet.
The striker's powerful forward play was key as Atletico broke Real and Barcelona's stranglehold on the Spanish top flight, with Costa plundering 27 goals in 35 appearances as the Rojiblancos went on to lift the La Liga trophy.
Spain's early exit from Brazil will surely give Costa the time to recover his fitness - and, for Chelsea's sake, his form.
Source: Chelsea official website
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