Everton are weighing up a move for Atletico Madrid striker Diego Costa, who has two more years left on his current contract at the Wanda Metropolitano.
Farhad Moshiri, the Everton owner, wants the club to move in for the Spanish international, as per the Daily Mail.
The Atletico Madrid striker almost joined the Merseyside club when he left Chelsea back in 2017.
Costa had an average 2018-19 season with Atletico Madrid. He scored 5 goals and managed just 3 assists in 21 appearances across all competitions in the recently concluded campaign, though his season was hit with injuries.
Diego Costa would be a statement signing by Everton
The former Chelsea man is a target-man and likes to bully opposition defenders to stamp his authority on the game.
He stands in at an imposing 6ft 1in, and boasts supreme aerial prowess. Costa averaged 1.6 aerial duels won across all competitions last season.
Costa often showed that he can do well in a pragmatic system, playing as the lone man upfront in Jose Mourinho and then Antonio Conte’s Chelsea team. More often than not, he took defenders out of the game with his impeccable hold-up play, which allowed the likes of Eden Hazard and Willian to make the runs.
At Everton, he will have a similar set-up, with the likes of Richarlison, Theo Walcott, and Bernard available as options in the wider areas.
The 30-year-old’s passing can improve, as he managed a pass accuracy of 72.7% last season. His disciplinary issues would be an area of concern for Everton boss Marco Silva and with the VAR in action from next season, the Spaniard might have to be more cautious on the pitch.
The Spaniard still has a few years of top-flight football left in him as he is still only 30, and considering he is a proven goal-scorer, he could be the player Everton need.
Costa lifted two Premier League titles in his three-year stay at Chelsea, and is pretty used to the style of the Premier League as well, so the transition time is not going to play a part if he moves to Goodison Park.
The Atletico man could be a good acquisition seeing their strikers Cenk Tosun and Dominic Calvert-Lewin didn’t score goals regularly, although the latter showed good promise and can develop into a good player.
Costa’s arrival would not only be a statement signing, but he would also elevate the Everton attack to a higher level, and could ultimately help the team challenge for a place in Europe.
Stat Courtesy: Transfermarkt, Whoscored