SIMEONE ON DIEGO COSTA: "I will have no problem in him going".

Ahead of the massive Champions League semi finals against Atletico Madrid, plenty will be said about both games. In light of the constant speculation regarding Diego Costa, Atletico boss Diego Simeone has given the clearest indication yet that he could be on his way to Chelsea this summer.

Simeone has worked wonders with his team over recent seasons. Just last summer the club sold Radamel Falcao for mega money to Monaco and despite that, with Diego Costa leading his attack, Atletico sit top of La Liga in addition to reaching the semi finals of the Champions League.

Speaking recently about Costa, Simeone was asked whether or not the player could be sold this summer with Chelsea reportedly making him their number one transfer. Asked of the player himself and if he will be fit enough to play next week against the club who want to sign him.

Simeone said:

"It will depend on him and what he thinks is the best for his future. I will support any decision he makes. It's natural that Chelsea are interested in him. And that makes me happy, because my aim and that of my coaching staff is to see our players improve. We understand that Chelsea have huge financial power, and if he wants to live off football for the rest of his life, I will have no problem in him going. It was like Radamel Falcao, how could I tell him not to go to Monaco?

He's a rebel, and I like that, he is destined to be a different player. I just hope he doesn't stop growing, because he still has room to improve. Right now he is among the candidates for the Ballon d'Or.

I have no doubt that he is going to play against Chelsea, and neither does he. We aren't worried about it. One thing I don't know is where he will be playing next year." 

So there you have it! The clearest indication from anywhere that Chelsea DO want to sign Costa this summer. Up to this point all we have read is rumour and speculation but nothing that appears to be concrete. Simeone has changed all that now.

I have spoken on here about Costa and I think Simeone has described him perfectly here. To me (whenever I have seen him play in a live game on TV and will admit that hasn't been that often) he always looks quite laboured. In fact, he has spent more time having bust ups with opposition defenders rather than the compilation videos we can easily access on You Tube.

One thing we cannot argue about is his goal scoring record. The only concern is that the same was said about Fernando Torres and look at what has happened.

Costa is a very different player, young and a finisher and now, according to Simeone, the player Chelsea have identified as one of the two strikers Jose is looking to bring into the club.

Let's see what happens in the two games in the Champions League and in the summer!