Here we go again.
Chelsea fans must be pulling their hair out at the thought of signing another world-class striker only to see him dramatically lose form.
Diego Costa isn't a Chelsea player just yet, but reports across the media indicate he will be donning the club's colours very soon.
Indeed, the striker himself said this week his transfer is "a thing that's about to happen," per Goal.com.
On the back of a poor World Cup with Spain, however, he will arrive at Stamford Bridge with his reputation knocked slightly.
With Spain crashing out of Brazil 2014 in the group stages, Diego Costa will probably be wishing he hadn't switched allegiance from his native Brazil to the former world champions.
The tournament has been a major disappointment for the Spanish and Diego Costa himself played a significant role in their demise.
Far from being the striker that fired Atletico Madrid to the La Liga title and a Champions League final, he looked jaded and unable to impact games the way he has done throughout the past year or so.
Returning from injury, it was hoped he would rediscover his lethal form but instead Vicente del Bosque was greeted by a striker lacking the physical edge to perform on the biggest stage.
It's why Chelsea should be concerned.
All year we have heard complaints from Jose Mourinho that he requires a lethal frontman to transform his team from title challengers to winners.
It was the one recurring topic throughout 2013-14 and Blues fans were rightly excited when Diego Costa was being linked with the club.
He isn't going to deliver trophies alone, though. And the World Cup shows it.
Chelsea need more than just Diego Costa and should Mourinho pin all his hopes on signing him, it may well prove his biggest mistake.
When fit, there aren't many strikers across Europe who can compete with the threat Diego Costa brings. He is physical, skillful and scores goals from all over.
What he isn't is a one-man team and to be effective he will need players around him to ease the burden.
Chelsea's attacking midfielders will play their part, but as an out-and-out striker, the Blues will need another reliable source for goals.
Spain didn't have that in Brazil and along with their other problems throughout the squad, failure to support Diego Costa ended with them paying the ultimate price.
It's clear, over the course of a season, Diego Costa will score goals, yet when his body is pushed to the limits, he doesn't seem to have the ability to play at his peak.
He needs to be managed, rested at key times to ensure he is in prime condition when it really matters.
Right now, Chelsea have Fernando Torres and Demba Ba competing to be the main back-up. With their goal returns last season, it isn't enough, especially when we consider the strikers Liverpool and Manchester City have at their disposal.
Chelsea have strength in depth throughout their squad, but even with Diego Costa, appear lightweight with their strikers. They need to add at least one more.
Failure to do so could well see the problems of the past year rear their head and this time, Mourinho will only have himself to blame.
Source: Bleacher Report
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