According to reports in several British newspapers, Chelsea striker Diego Costa is intent on leaving Stamford Bridge this summer, with former club Atletico Madrid circling. Costa is apparently fed up with his bad reputation in England and would like to return to Spain.
Chelsea will be managed by Italian Antonio Conte next season and he could be amenable to letting Costa leave if he can get either Gonzalo Higuain or Romelu Lukaku in in return. Atletico have admitted interest in the Brazil born Spain international, but warn that a deal might be difficult to do.
Atletico president Enrique Cerezo, in an interview with Onda Cero, said: “Diego Costa has a contract with Chelsea. Many times a club wants a player who us under contract. It is totally logical that Atletico is interested in the return of the striker but to negotiate with Chelsea is very hard, nearly impossible.”
Costa spent four years with Atletico, winning La Liga and Copa del Rey title. He is currently suspended for Chelsea after a red card in their FA Cup defeat to Everton last month and the striker reportedly feels targeted by referees.