Diego Costa has “many offers” to consider after being informed by Antonio Conte that he is free to leave Chelsea, says the striker’s brother.
Despite topping the club’s goalscoring charts in 2016-17, with his 20 efforts helping the Blues to the Premier League title, the Spain international has been deemed surplus to requirements.
The path has been cleared at the end of a campaign in which he generated plenty of transfer talk for a move to be made, with various landing spots mooted – from Atletico Madrid to China.
Costa’s brother admits that plenty of interest has been shown, with it now up to the 28-year-old to make a decision on his future.
Jair Costa told Yahoo Esportes: "Diego, fortunately, has many offers. I cannot say how many there are, but they exist."
A switch to the Chinese Super League was first discussed in the winter window, with a lucrative offer reported to have been readied.
Getty ImagesAsia has, however, been ruled out as a possible destination ahead of next summer’s World Cup.
Jair Costa said on the CSL talk: "I think it’s very unlikely, because there is the World Cup next year and Diego Costa wants to be there."
He added on rumours of a return to his roots in Brazil at Palmeiras: "To be honest, now, I find it very difficult. Many friends called me in the last hours to ask about it, but Diego did not comment on that.”
Costa eyes Atletico Madrid return
A second spell at Atletico could still happen, though, even with the La Liga side currently working under a transfer embargo and unable to bring in any fresh faces until January 2018.
"Diego has a great affection for Atletico, but there is nothing certain so far. We have to wait and see what will happen,” said Jair Costa.
Costa joined Chelsea in 2014 and has netted 58 times in 119 appearances for the Blues, helping them to two Premier League titles and a League Cup triumph.