Diego Costa wants Atletico Madrid return but Chelsea will not let forward leave
Antonio Conte wants another top level striker as well as Michy Batshuayi before entertaining any sale of Spanish striker
DIEGO COSTA wants to leave Chelsea and return to Atletico Madrid, according to reports in Spain.
The Blues are desperate to keep the Spaniard, who looked fitter and leaner when he returned for pre-season — at Stamford Bridge and won’t entertain any sale.
However, Spanish daily claim the player has made his feelings clear to manager, Antonio Conte, and owner, Roman Abramovich, but will not go public with his desire to leave out of respect for the club.
Despite having already signed Michy Batshuayi, Chelsea will need to sign another top-level striker before allowing Costa to return to his former club.
Atletico are keeping tabs on their former frontman, whilst also looking at Sevilla’s Kevin Gameiro.
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Costa was the Vicente Calderon from 2010 to 2014 and was the spearhead of the side which won the league title in in his final season, under Diego Simeone.
He moved to the Premier League immediately after Atletico’s heartbreaking Champions League final defeat.
The Spanish ace enjoyed at Stamford Bridge and netted 21 goals and was nominated for the PFA Player of the Year award as Chelsea won a league and League Cup double.
However, his volatile on-pitch behaviour made him a pantomime villain among opposing fans — while his form dipped dramatically in the following campaign.
Costa scored just 12 times in the Premier League as the Blues endured a horrific season.