Atletico Madrid Demand Lukaku in Diego Costa Deal with Chelsea
Spanish side Atletico Madrid have reportedly made a fresh demand in their ongoing transfer negotiations with Chelsea, as talks intensify over striker Diego Costa’s potential move to Stamford Bridge.
According to the Daily Star, Atletico are prepared to sanction Costa’s departure this summer—but only if the deal includes both a financial package and the inclusion of Belgian forward Romelu Lukaku.
Chelsea have long been linked with Costa, who has enjoyed a prolific season with the Spanish club and is seen as a prime target for manager José Mourinho to reinforce his attack. However, the Spanish outfit are now said to be holding out for more than just a straight cash offer.
Lukaku, 20, has spent the season on loan at Everton, where he has impressed with a string of powerful performances, scoring consistently and gaining valuable Premier League experience. The young striker remains under contract with Chelsea, but his future at the club has been the subject of speculation, particularly as the Blues look to bring in a marquee centre-forward.
Atletico Madrid’s interest in Lukaku is thought to be part of a broader plan to ensure they remain competitive should Costa leave the Vicente Calderón. The Spanish international has been instrumental in Atletico’s title challenge and Champions League campaign, and his departure would leave a significant void up front.
The proposed swap deal would see Chelsea pay a fee—believed to be in the region of £32 million—and send Lukaku to Madrid as part of the agreement. However, it remains unclear whether Chelsea are willing to part with the highly-rated Belgian, who is viewed by many as a long-term asset.
Lukaku has previously expressed his desire for regular first-team football, something he has enjoyed during his loan spells at both West Bromwich Albion and Everton. Should he return to Chelsea, competition for a starting spot would intensify with the likely arrival of Costa.
As negotiations continue, the situation highlights the delicate balance Chelsea must strike between building for immediate success and developing their young talents.
Neither club has officially commented on the latest developments, but the coming weeks are expected to be pivotal as the summer transfer window approaches.
