Will signing Diego Costa make Chelsea title favourites?

Atletico Madrid striker Diego Costa is believed to have passed a medical ahead of a move to Chelsea

According to Sky Sports, Atletico Madrid and Spain striker Diego Costa has passed a medical ahead of a £32million move to Chelsea.

The striker has been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge for a long time and looks to have taken a step closer to completing that move.

Influential

The 25-year-old striker was highly influential for Atleti, as the team from the Spanish capital claimed their first La Liga title in 18 years and also made it to the final of the Champions League, where they came within a few minutes of beating arch-rivals Real Madrid, before eventually losing 4-1 in extra-time.

A big part of Atletico’s successful season was Costa’s 36 goals in 52 appearances in all competitions. Unfortunately the Brazilian-born star limped off in the Champions League final after less than ten minutes, but is now back in training with his national team preparing for the World Cup finals in Brazil.

Much Needed

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho knew that he needed to bring in a striker last summer. The former-Real boss brought in veteran Cameroon star Samuel Eto’o, but during the season let it slip that he felt he was lacking a striker.

It may have proved a decisive factor in Chelsea finishing third in the Premier League and failing to win the Premier League title. Chelsea’s senior strikers Eto’o, Fernando Torres and Demba Ba all failed to find the net on a regular basis last season.

Eto’o scored nine top-flight goals, Torres and Ba registered just five each in the Premier League, so the trio scored just 19 league goals between them, just four more than Chelsea-loanee Romelu Lukaku scored for Everton.

All three strikers could leave the Blues this summer. Eto’o’s contract expires this summer and will leave the club. Torres has never fully justified his British record £50million fee.

The Spaniard has seemingly struggled to regain the form that made him one of the most dangerous strikers in European football during his time at Liverpool. Torres has been linked with a summer return to former-club Atletico Madrid, which does not look impossible at the moment.

Ba scored some vital goals towards the end of last season, but there have always been doubts about whether he is really good enough to lead the Chelsea front line. The 29-year-old has claimed that Mourinho has already told him that he still has a future at Stamford Bridge.

I do not think many Chelsea fans would be that sad to see all three strikers leave their club this summer. No doubt Costa is a cut above Chelsea’s current striking options.

Missing Piece

Chelsea has a very good team, but at times last season the Blues lacked that cutting edge up front. The Blues could very easily have won the Premier League title last season. However, they slipped-up in games they should have won.

Those games they needed some inspiration from the man up front and the Blues trio of strikers failed to provide it. Had Chelsea had Costa up front last season they may well have claimed the title.

Diego Costa is looking like he could be the final piece of the jigsaw for Chelsea next season, if he hits the ground running that is. All signs are that the striker has all the attributes to make it in the English top-flight, with that extra bit of edge to his game.

Challengers

There is no doubt about it Chelsea will be one of the teams to beat in the Premier League next season. The Blues are currently second favourites to win the title next season at odds of 9/4. The likes of Manchester City, Arsenal and Liverpool are all likely to strengthen their squads this summer.

However, the signing of Costa may prove the biggest and most decisive move of the transfer window. The 25-year-old will give Chelsea a whole new dimension up front and will love the service provided by the likes of Oscar, Willian, Andre Schurrle and Eden Hazard, if he stays of course.

Bargain

It sounds strange to say, but for £32million Costa could prove an absolute bargain. If the Spaniard helps the Blues claim the title and go further in Europe next season then it will be money well spent. If David Luiz is worth £40million, plus add-ons, then Costa is definitely worth £32million.

As a foreign player there is always a risk that Costa may fail to re-produce his form in the Spanish top-flight. However, Costa is not your typical foreign striker. Despite his often theatrical falls, he enjoys the physical side of the game, which means he will fit in well in the Premier League.

At the end of the day goals win games and Chelsea did not find the net enough last season. Diego Costa scores goals and I for one will definitely not be writing-off Chelsea’s title chances next season.

Will signing Diego Costa make Chelsea title favourites?