Atletico Madrid 'seal a deal' to sign Diego Costa replacement

Diego Simeone’s side have reportedly struck an agreement for a Diego Costa replacement with Ligue 1 giants Lyon.

Atletico Madrid have reached an agreement to sign Lyon’s Moussa Dembele on loan for the rest of the season, according to reports from Spain. The deal includes a €33m buy option – which isn’t mandatory.

Lyon sporting director Juninho confirmed talks were underway with Atletico on Saturday, with Dembele having already agreed on personal terms with the LaLiga leaders.

According to Marca, Atletico have got their man on an initial loan agreement with a €33m buy option included. Dembele won’t travel to Madrid until at least Tuesday due to Storm Filomena, which has left half of Spain on red alert.

But once the 24-year-old has arrived in the Spanish capital, he will undergo a medical before completing his loan deal.

The news of Dembele’s imminent arrival puts an end to Atletico’s search for a new center-forward. After agreeing to end Diego Costa’s contract early in January, the Colchoneros had been searching for a replacement.

Real Sociedad’s Willian Jose had reportedly been on their radar before talks began for Dembele recently.

The former Celtic star will be expected to provide cover for Luis Suarez once he recovers from an arm fracture.