Cristiano Ronaldo, Diego Costa and Carlos Vela Nominated For La Liga Best Forward Award

Chelsea summer signing Diego Costa and former Arsenal star Carlos Vela have been nominated alongside Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo for Best Striker in the La Liga award ceremony celebrating players' achievements last season.

Costa scored 27 goals in 35 La Liga games for Atletico Madrid last season before completing a £32m move to Stamford Bridge in the summer.

Meanwhile, Real Sociedad striker Vela, 25, was one of the biggest sensations in Spain during the last campaign, scoring 16 goals and grabbing 12 assists in 34 appearances.

Arsenal had 50% of his rights and the chance to activate a £3.2m buy-back clause to see him returning to the Emirates Stadium, but Arsene Wenger surprisingly opted instead to sell him to the La Liga side for £8.8m.

Meanwhile, the former Manchester United legend Cristiano Ronaldo was the La Liga top scorer last season, getting 31 goals in 30 games.

La Liga has confirmed through its official website that the trio will fight for the prize after the surprising exclusion of Barcelona star Lionel Messi.

"Football is all about finding the net and three players in particular did that better than anyone else in their respective teams last season, leading their clubs to victory and, in some cases, various titles throughout the year," La Liga said.

"Cristiano Ronaldo, Diego Costa and Carlos Vela are the three players nominated for 'Best Striker in the 2013-14 Liga BBVA'"

The final winner will be awarded on 27 October during the Liga de Fútbol Profesional Awards Ceremony.

Meanwhile, Chelsea youngster Thibaut Courtois is also shortlisted for the keeper award alongside Real Madrid's Keylor Navas and Manchester City's Willy Caballero.

Furthermore, Blues left-back Filipe Luis has been nominated for the best defender prize alongside Atletico Madrid's Joao Miranda and Real Madrid's Sergio Ramos.