Simeone has admitted Costa can leave and that they would be interested in bringing back Torres.
Ahead of the Champions League quarter-final between the two clubs Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone has opened the door to a swap deal involving Diego Costa and Chelsea’s Fernando Torres.
It’s well known that the Blues are interested in signing the Atleti top-scorer – who currently has 34 goals in 44 matches this season – and are prepared to meet the 25-year-old’s £32m release clause and give him wages of £185,000-a-week.
Up until now Simeone has remained tight-lipped on the subject, but has now said he will not stand in Costa’s way if he wants to leave and that Atletico would be interested in re-signing their former captain Torres.
“It will depend on him [Costa] and what he thinks is best for his future. I will support any decision he makes,” the Argentine was quoted by the Mirror.
“We understand that Chelsea have huge financial power and if he wants to live off football for the rest of his life, I will have no problem in him going.
“It was like Radamel Falcao – how could I tell him not to go to Monaco [last summer]? He gave life to this club [during his time at Atletico].
“Fernando is always with us [in spirit], obviously I have sent messages to him.
“Of course he would love to come back to the club he grew up in and where he was happy.”
These comments from Simeone appear to give validation to the fact that Costa will be making the switch to Stamford Bridge and that Torres will possibly come the other way.
This is despite the fact Atletico currently top La Liga and could make their first ever Champions League final if they beat Jose Mourinho’s men over two-legs.
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