Chelsea swoop for Arsenal and Man Utd target Diego Costa with Thibault Courtois swap deal

CHELSEA could convince Atletico Madrid to sell Diego Costa by offering them a swap deal involving Thibault Courtois.

Diego Costa is at the centre of a transfer battle

Highly-rated goalkeeper Courtois, 25, has impressed in his three years on loan at Atletico but his Chelsea chances have been blocked by Petr Cech.

Stamford Bridge chiefs see the Belgian as Cech's long-term successor, though, and rate him at around £20m.

Costa has a £32m buy-out clause in his contract but sources in Spain suggest that the Blues may not move to trigger it.

Thibault Courtois is challenging to make himself the Belgium No.1

Instead, Chelsea - who have earmarked Costa as their major summer signing - could agree to part with Courtois and cash to get their man.

The Brazil-born striker has scored 23 goals in 22 appearances, including four goals in three Champions League matches.

He has impressed Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester United too this season.

Both Arsene Wenger and David Moyes have sent scouts to run the rule over the frontman, while Liverpool tried to snap him up in the summer.

A possible move to Stamford Bridge could be pushed through by Costa’s agent, Jorge Mendes.

Mendes also represents Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho.