Chelsea striker Diego Costa 'welcome' at Paris Saint-Germain says David Luiz
Chelsea striker Diego Costa would be welcomed with open arms at Paris Saint-Germain should the Spain international wish to leave Stamford Bridge at the end of the current season. Reports are rife that the 27-year-old is preparing his exit strategy away from west London this summer following a season of turmoil.
The Sun understands the Blues are expecting a throng of star players to attempt to leave the club in the summer transfer window with the club not expecting to be competing in the Champions League next term. Those players include Costa, Eden Hazard, goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois and midfielder Oscar.
The Premier League champions are said to be concerned that the quartet will look to leave Chelsea following the end of the campaign despite having committed to lengthy contracts with the club. Costa was among the players linked with the eventual demise of Jose Mourinho and had a public falling out with the Portuguese boss after throwing a training bib in his direction during the draw at Tottenham Hotspur.
Brazil international David Luiz was the first high-profile exit from Chelsea upon the reappointment of Mourinho in the summer of 2014, leaving for PSG for £50m ($71m), according to the Daily Mail. With Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid banned from making transfers for the next two windows, the Ligue 1 champions represent one of the few realistic destinations for Costa should he take his leave, and Luiz believes he would be a valuable asset.
"If Diego decides he has had enough of England and wants a new challenge, he would be welcome here," he said, according to The Mirror. "Diego is one of the clinical strikers in Europe and would be a welcome addition to any team.
"I think PSG have made clear their intent over the last three or four seasons, that we only add the best players. Diego and myself have had our clashes. On the field he is physical and confrontational – he will get in your face. That is part of his game. Off the field, he is one of the nicest guys you can meet. I welcome two big battles with Diego, but both games will end with a hug."
Luiz was speaking just four weeks before PSG face Chelsea in the Champions League knockout stage for a third consecutive season. The English club prevailed in 2014 before a Luiz-inspired PSG won through on away goals in 2015.
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