Multiple reports indicated that Diego Costa will be playing for Chelsea next season, but Atletico Madrid president Enrique Cerezo clarified that no deal has been finalized.
Costa, who led Atletico Madrid to the Primera Division title and into a Champions League final stint, is reportedly on his way to Stamford Bridge for 32 million pounds - a deal which was also confirmed by the 25-year-old striker.
In an interview with ESPN FC, Cerezo said that Costa is in talks with Chelsea, but he insisted that no deal is final and the 25-year-old will still be with Atletico until they receive the fee for their star.
"We don't know anything about Costa, all we know is that Chelsea have made contact but we haven't received any money or anything else yet," Cerezo said. "Until we receive the money from his buy-out clause, he remains an Atletico player."
Cerezo admitted, though, that it will not be long enough before Costa makes a move to another club, saying that their club is inferior, money-wise, compared to other top-tier teams in Europe.
"We've always tried to convince our players to stay, but the difference between our finances and that of other clubs is very large," Cerezo said.
The strong interest in Costa is not surprising after the Spain international fired 27 goals in 35 Primera Division games last season, while also scoring eight goals in nine Champions League matches.
But while Costa is still with the club at this point, Cerezo conceded that the club will have to find a new goalkeeper for next season to replace Thibaut Courtois.
Cerezo confirmed that Courtois, who was on loan for the past three seasons, will be returning to Chelsea next season.
"Chelsea can count on Courtois, because he is their player," Courtois said.
Atletico Madrid's title defense next season will be a tough grind after also losing David Villa to New York City FC of the Major League Soccer and Tiago Mendes. Defenders Filipe Luis and Miranda are also not expected to return to Atletico next season.
"That's the way football is," Cerezo said. "We will try and get new players to come in who can score more goals or save more goals than the ones that are leaving."
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