Spain striker Diego Costa last night completed his move to Chelsea from Atletico Madrid.
The Brazil-born striker has long been linked with a switch to Stamford Bridge and the clubs agreed a fee early this month, with Chelsea meeting his buy-out clause of £32 million (Dh201.5m).
A statement on chelseafc.com read: “Chelsea Football Club is delighted to announce Diego Costa has today completed his transfer from Atletico Madrid by signing a five-year contract.
“He will join up with the first team for our pre-season European training camp next week.”
Costa joins former Arsenal and Barcelona midfielder Cesc Fabregas in moving from the Primera Division to Stamford Bridge this summer.
His goals helped Atletico claim a first Spanish league title in 18 years last season and he helped the Mad-rid side to the Champions League final, beating Chelsea in the semi-final en route to Lisbon, where Real Madrid won the European Cup.
Costa’s arrival is sure to be a boost to manager Jose Mourinho who effectively blamed his side’s failure to win last season’s Premier League title on his squad’s lack of firepower.
Costa said: “I am very happy to sign for Chelsea. Everybody knows it is a big club in a very competitive league, and I am very excited to get started in England with a fantastic coach and team-mates.
“Having played against Chelsea last season I know the high quality of the squad I am joining. I would like to thank everybody at Atletico who made me into the player I am, it was an incredible time for me, but now I am starting a new adventure and I hope to win many trophies with Chelsea.”
Costa is one of a number of players who featured for Atletico last season who could be plying their trade for the Blues next term.
Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois spent three years on loan with Los Rojiblancos and is expected to compete with Petr Cech for Chelsea’s number one jersey.
Brazil left-back Felipe Luis is the subject of interest from the Blues, who are seeking a replacement for Ashley Cole after the former England defender’s move to Roma.
Portuguese midfielder Thiago has also been linked with a Stamford Bridge return from Atletico.
