Chelsea officially confirmed that Diego Costa will move to Stamford Bridge next season after striking a transfer agreement with Atletico Madrid.

In a statement posted on their official website, Chelsea confirmed that Costa signed a five-year deal with the Blues after the club reportedly agreed to a £32 million transfer.

"Chelsea Football Club is delighted to announce Diego Costa has today completed his transfer from Atletico Madrid by signing a five-year contract," Chelsea said in the statement. "He will join up with the first team for our pre-season European training camp next week."

Costa has been one of the most coveted players on the transfer market this summer after leading Atletico Madrid to their first Spanish La Liga title in 18 years, while also helping his former team advance to the Champions League final where they lost to Real Madrid.

The 25-year-old striker netted 27 goals to go along with three assists in 24 league games, while also scoring eight goals in nine Champions League matches last season.

In a statement, Costa expressed excitement over his transfer to Chelsea, who finished third to Manchester City and Liverpool in last season's Barclays Premier League race.

"I am very happy to sign for Chelsea," Costa said. "Everybody knows it is a big club in a very competitive league, and I am very excited to get started in England with a fantastic coach and teammates. Having played against Chelsea last season I know the high quality of the squad I am joining."

Costa also expressed gratitude to Atletico Madrid for giving him the opportunity to shine and become one of the best strikers in the world today.

"I would like to thank everybody at Atletico who made me into the player I am, it was an incredible time for me, but now I am starting a new adventure and I hope to win many trophies with Chelsea," Costa added.

Costa will join Atletico Madrid teammate Thibaut Courtois, who will return to Stamford Bridge from a three-year loan and is expected to give the Blues' first-choice goalkeeper Peter Cech a run for his money.

Former Arsenal and Barcelona midfielder Cesc Fabregas also moved to Chelsea this summer, making the Blues a strong contender next season.

Related